This will make the competition even more exciting as both Pant and Samson, key players of the Indian T20I team, will compete for the same spot in the national team.
In the recently concluded IPL 2025 auction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Rishabh Pant created history by becoming the most expensive player in the IPL. The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) got him for a whopping sum of INR 27 crores.
Rishabh Pant will most likely be named LSG captain for IPL 2025 as KL Rahul, the former captain, was bought by Delhi Capitals.
Also Read: LSG Playing XI, IPL 2025: Top Lucknow Supergiants Playing 11, Player List and Full Squad
Rishabh Pant ready for new role: Likely to open for LSG in IPL 2025
Apart from the leadership role, Pant will take up a new batting position, most likely opening the innings. Although he has traditionally batted at 4 or 5 in the IPL, opening the batting could highlight his aggressive style.
Pant has always been strong against pace and can use the restrictions of the powerplay to his advantage, playing attacking shots with only two defenders allowed in the boundary.
His impressive performances as an opener in white-ball cricket, including during the 2024 T20 World Cup when he batted at number 3, further support this move.
Sanju Samson ready for role change: Could open innings for RR in IPL 2025
While Pant is set for a new role, another Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson may also be in line for a change. Traditionally, he batted at number 3 for Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the previous seasons. But Samson could be asked to open the innings alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal in the upcoming season, especially after RR’s recent auction moves, including the release of Jos Buttler.
Also Read: Twisted explanation emerges on why RCB did not bid for any high-profile Indian batsman with Virat Kohli in the team
Samson has been in excellent form as an opener in T20I cricket, smashing three centuries in the last five matches. This recent success makes him a strong contender to open the RR batting and continue leading from the front in IPL 2025.
Pant vs. Samson: Fierce battle for national T20I spot
This will make the competition even more exciting as both Pant and Samson will compete for the same spot in the national team.
With only one of them likely to secure a place in the playing XI while the other sits on the bench, both will focus on delivering their best performances in IPL 2025 to boost their chances of being selected.
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