Suresh Raina Advocates for Abhishek Sharma’s Test Call-up and Backs Rishabh Pant’s White-Ball Potential

Former Indian international Suresh Raina has publicly advocated for the inclusion of Abhishek Sharma in the national Test setup, suggesting that the explosive white-ball specialist possesses the necessary attributes to succeed in the longest format of the game. Raina’s endorsement comes as part of a broader discussion on player development and the importance of nurturing young talent for the rigors of red-ball cricket.

Speaking on a digital platform, Raina emphasized that the transition for young players requires a collaborative effort between coaches, state associations, and franchise stakeholders. He expressed a strong belief that Sharma, who has already made a significant impact in T20 Internationals, should be encouraged to pursue opportunities in first-class cricket to further refine his game.

Turning his attention to Rishabh Pant, Raina lauded the wicketkeeper-batter’s remarkable progress in the Test arena. Pant has become a cornerstone of India’s red-ball batting lineup, accumulating 3,725 runs in 52 Tests at an impressive average of 43.82. With eight centuries and 21 half-centuries to his name, Pant’s aggressive style has cemented his reputation as a match-winner in the traditional format.

Despite his recent absence from India’s white-ball squads—having last featured in a T20I in July 2024 and an ODI in August 2024—Raina remains confident in Pant’s versatility. He described the left-hander as an "X-factor" player who is poised to mature further in limited-overs cricket and the IPL. Raina noted that Pant’s dedication and hard work have been instrumental in his success, and he expects the dynamic batter to continue making significant contributions across all formats of the game as he evolves as a cricketer.