Touted as a potential successor to M.S. Dhoni, Rishabh Pant says the former India captain has helped shape quite a few things in his still nascent career, ranging from IPL contract to hand-head coordination while ’keeping.
“Whenever I needed support from Mahi bhai , I ask him. From my IPL contract to my wicketkeeping, he’s advised me on everything,” the 20-year-old Pant said in an interview to bcci.tv .
“He’s always told me that when it comes to wicketkeeping, your hand-head coordination is important; body balance can come into play later. That (his advice) has helped me a lot,” said the southpaw.
Infectious
Pant says the positivity in the India team dressing room is also quite infectious.
“Every time I come to the Indian dressing room, there is one thing that has always stood out. The positivity! Everyone is supporting and backing each other,” he said.
Asked about the challenge of switching formats from IPL to the ODI and four-day games in England, Pant said he does not stress over that.
“I reckon there isn’t too much difference, but it has got more to do with shot selection. In red ball cricket, with the field placements, you can look around, take your time, because you have five days to play. Whereas in limited-over cricket you have limited number of balls to play and score.
“I have so far enjoyed my preparation with red-ball cricket. The Dukes swing a lot in England and when I started playing here with India-A, I realised that the swing would come a lot into play in these conditions.”
He also received praise from India-A coach Rahul Dravid for his performance.
“The only thing he tells me is that you need to be patient about everything, be it on the field or off it.
“Also, how I need to work harder on my game when it comes to red-ball cricket since I’m a positive batsman, but at times you need to play to the situation. See the pace of the game and change accordingly.”
How did he react when he found out about his Test selection? “I always wanted to be a part of the Indian Test squad and it was a dream come true. It was an amazing feeling, not only for me but also for my family and coach Tarek Sinha sir, who helped me understand the game very early in my life.”
