Champions Trophy 2025: Ex-India cricketer Mohammed Kaif has reckoned that Rishabh Pant has leveled the former Indian wicket-keeper batter, MS Dhoni. Before India's squad had been announced for the upcoming 2025 Champions Trophy, there were speculations as to who would be the wicket-keeper for this tournament as KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson were all in contention.

Mohammed Kaif expressed his views on this topic and revealed how Samson was far behind Pant in the shortest format. But, he then talked about Pant's brilliant performances in the longest format and that's what made him level with MS Dhoni.

“Sanju Samson has gone ahead. You have to understand this. With Rishabh Pant, people have their emotions attached. He is a big match-winner in Tests. Who can forget his knock at the Gabba and the hundred in South Africa? He performs well in overseas conditions. He is a good wicketkeeper. Rishabh Pant is a better wicketkeeper than Sanju Samson; he has almost reached the same level as MS Dhoni,” Mohammad Kaif was quoted as saying on his YouTube channel.

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He further said that Pant needs to realize that his white-ball performance is not as good as that of Samson.

“Rishabh Pant needs to recognize the reality. If someone tells him 'wrong things are being done with you', they are not saying the right things. Rishabh Pant should stay away from such friends. Someone needs to tell him that his white-ball stats are not that great. Sanju Samson has genuinely earned that chance to go to the Champions Trophy. Rishabh Pant needs to work hard,” he added.

Pant vs Samson in ODI cricket

Pant has played in 31 ODIs till now and has scored 871 runs at a staggering average of 33.50, where he had scored five half-centuries and one century under his kitty. At the same time, Samson has scored 510 runs after playing in 16 matches at an average of 56.66, which includes one century and three half-centuries under his belt. He had smashed a century the last time he played in this format against South Africa in Paarl in December 2023.

He was in sublime form as he has smashed three centuries during the last five T20Is and that's why he was in contention to get selected in the Champions Trophy squad.