Dubai: Scan Video BCCI The social media handle puts on Rishabh Pant’s training and you will only find balls flying in the air with his bat. His game is built around a strong defensive technique, which gets lost in the oblivion of regular training sessions.
“I’ve got used to the fact that even scoring a century in one innings and getting out cheaply in the next one will be severely criticized.” Pant Told TOI with a cheeky smile as he agreed to it Asia Cup, He is aware that wherever he goes, his reputation of being a more carefree cricketer precedes him.
No one in Indian cricket has faced the same criticism as they have. Every compliment within the scope of analysis comes with a disclaimer as to how it needs to rule itself. Nevertheless, he has emerged as India’s most consistent batsman in at least two formats. One has to look really hard in his archives to find such instances where bowlers can breach his defence. His dismissals have always come on aggressive shots.
Pant says, “I understand that when I am out, it can look ugly. That doesn’t mean it never stings me. But I have learned to accept the fact that I am a high- I play the risk-high-reward game.”
He has a theory on how to deal with the constant dissection of his attitude towards the game. “I learn from my dismissal. But I give myself more space now. There’s a reason why I can taste some success at this stage. You won’t be successful every day. But you need to make sure you go towards it.” Work requires that your game be working 70-80 percent of the time.
“If you are true to your heart, there is nothing to fear because eventually things will be alright. Not every day will be a good day. But the trick is that when you have a good day, you have to make it count and be sure. Do that you win games for your team. You have to believe that you can win a game on your own and when you think you are on top, you can’t let the opposition hold you back,” he calmly telling.
History of India in Asia Cup
When he is in the middle, the stillness of his speech trumps the thrill of the seat. Pant proudly says: “I am much calmer now. I can feel that I am making clear decisions, have a set plan and read the situation better. I follow people but I imitate them I don’t. I follow how people conduct themselves. Ground because it shows in your game.”
He has been in international cricket for over five years now, having played in two World Cups in different formats and one World Test Championship final. He even got a taste of the India-Pakistan game last year.
He says, “Whenever you play for India, the nerves are always there. It is about how you execute your plans. For me, nerves mean you are on, curious And ready to fight.” Again, casual, jovial walks and fun conversations with Pakistani counterparts during the exercise here ICC Academy suppress its intensity.
The two-week break after the West Indies tour helped. “Physically, playing prescribed amount of cricket is fine. But you need to charge mentally. If I have a break of 4-5 days, I don’t even look at my kit. But I start practicing I’ll do it if it’s a long break. When you come back on the field, having a break also gives you a sense of opportunity.”
How did India and Pakistan perform in the Asia Cup?
is leading Delhi Capitals And India helped a series? “Everything has its advantages and disadvantages,” was his quick reply. “Captaincy has helped me handle pressure calmly. It has taught me to take care of my teammates. You are sympathetic to other players about what you want from your captain. This is a culture that is being created. For me, every player is important.” I don’t believe in the senior-junior-youth concept.”
It cannot be denied that Pant has become an established part of the team. Still, his T20I performance doesn’t match that of the other two formats.
“Every format has its own charm. In ODIs, you have 10-15 balls to set up while in T20s, you get 3-4 balls. T20s are built for impressive performances above individual average Having a healthy average helps but in T20s, you need to think about making it easy for the following batsman. Not everyone will run on the same day. So, the role is to give more cushion for the next batsman So 30-40 off 15-20 balls is valuable,” observes Pant.
Pant is clearly the flamboyant poster boy of Indian cricket. Frequent sponsor commitments and shoots have become a part of his daily routine. That’s when his hunger comes to the fore. “Everyone dreams of playing for their country and winning games. I made my debut at the age of 19 and believe I have helped India win a few games. I don’t want my aspirations to die down I always like to fulfill another dream. It was a wonderful experience to captain India like that,” Pant insists as he whispers to pack his bags. Dubai,