Rishabh Pant makes Ashes prediction; picks between Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma

Team India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant conducted a Q&A session with fans on X (formerly known as Twitter). Rishabh Pant spoke about various topics, including the Ashes 2025-26 winner and his favorite shots from Sachin Tendulkar's straight drive, Virat Kohli's cover drive, and Rohit Sharma's pull shot.

The 27-year-old cricketer last played for the Indian national cricket team in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 in Australia. Pant managed 255 runs in nine innings at an average of 28.33. His best performance came in the final Test in Sydney, where he scored a quickfire 61 off 33 balls in India's second innings.

Rishabh Pant Responds to Michael Vaughan's Query on 2025-25 Ashes Winner

During a Q&A session on social media, Rishabh Pant was asked by Michael Vaughan whether England would win the Ashes this year. Pant diplomatically stated that the team that will play better cricket will win.

"#AskRP … Do you think England will win the Ashes this year ?" Michael Vaughan asked.

"The team which will play better cricket will win. 🙂" Pant replied.

The team which will play better cricket will win. 🙂

— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) January 16, 2025

Rishabh Pant Picks His Favorite Shot: Sachin's Straight Drive, Virat's Cover Drive, or Rohit's Pull Shot

Sportskeeda asked Pant to choose his favorite among Sachin's straight drive, Virat's cover drive, and Rohit's pull shot. The wicketkeeper batter said that he liked all three shots equally.

"Sachin's straight drive, Virat's cover drive or Rohit's pull shot - which one is your favourite?" Sportskeeda questioned.

"Sachin paaji's straight drive, Virat bhai's cover drive, and Rohit bhai's pull shot. All 3," Pant stated.

Sachin paaji's straight drive, Virat bhai's cover drive and Rohit bhai's pull shot. All 3

— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) January 16, 2025

GOAT - Rishabh Pant Describes Jasprit Bumrah in One Word

A fan asked Pant to describe Jasprit Bumrah in one word. Pant responded by calling him the "GOAT" (Greatest of All Time) with a goat emoji.

"Describe JASSI bhai in one Word ? #AskRP," a fan asked.

"GOAT. 🐐," Pant replied.

GOAT. 🐐

— Rishabh Pant (@RishabhPant17) January 16, 2025

The Men in Blue lost the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia after 10 years with a margin of 1-3. India is now set to face England in five T20Is and three ODIs at home. Rishabh Pant was not selected for the T20I series, with the team opting for the in-form Sanju Samson and Dhruv Jurel as wicketkeepers.

Rishabh Pant has confirmed his availability for Delhi's upcoming Ranji Trophy match against Saurashtra, starting on Thursday, January 23. Speaking to PTI, Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) secretary Ashok Sharma announced that Pant will join the team in Rajkot ahead of the upcoming match.

It is worth mentioning that it will be Pant's first appearance in the Ranji Trophy since the 2017-18 season.

"Yes, Pant has confirmed his availability for next Ranji game and will join the squad in Rajkot directly," Sharma stated (quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo).

India has a busy white-ball schedule ahead, with T20Is and ODIs against England, followed by the Champions Trophy. Pant is not part of the T20I squad, but he is likely to be included as one of the wicketkeepers for the ODIs. He will be in the scheme of things for the wicketkeeper role for the Champions Trophy.

Also read: 'Graeme Smith is jealous because ILT20 has...' - Virender Sehwag launches brutal attack