Manjrekar had earlier backed Sanju Samson over Pant as India's second keeper for CT 2025. Pant has been brilliant for India in Test cricket so far, winning a lot of games for his team. However, his records in ODIs and T20Is aren't too impressive. However, he has immense potential to turn things around in any format of the game.
Also read: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: PCB ready to jeopardize Saim Ayub’s career to play him against India
"Self-confidence, slight maturity, and he is valuing his wicket a little more. He is playing long innings and not just one but repeatedly. Some people blossom a little late and Sanju Samson is like that," Manjrekar said on Star Sports.
"I am a big fan of him now. It seemed earlier that he was batting well but where were the runs. Now the batting is anyway mighty, even the runs are there," the former India batter observed.
Glad to see the kind of success that he has been blessed with currently - Sanjay Bangar on Sanju Samson
"Glad to see the kind of success that he has been blessed with currently. He has been there for a long time. It's just that he has got the right opportunities and a good run of opportunities because every batter, if he is playing three or four matches in a row, that frees him a little bit," he said.
Samson's excellent record in white-ball formats presents a strong case for India's squad in the Champions Trophy. However, he hasn't played an ODI since December 2023 which can work against his favor.
Rishabh Pant doesn't have impressive ODI numbers which can work against him. However, the selectors have shown faith in the left-hander's devastating ability irrespective of the format.
Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant's numbers in ODIs
On the other hand, Rishabh Pant has played 43 ODIs so far and scored 2948 runs at an average of 33.50 and a strike rate of 106.21 with 1 hundred and 5 fifties. He featured in India's last ODI played in August 2024 against Sri Lanka.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Ex-India star proudly declares himself a Sanju Samson fanboy )
Also on site :