Rishabh Pant, who is considered as the legendary MS Dhoni’s successor as a wicketkeeper-batsman in all forms of the game, proved his mettle during the recently-concluded Test series in Australia.
Pant played an instrumental role in India’s recent 2-1 Test series win Down Under, scoring 259 runs at an impressive average of 51.80, including two half-centuries.
It was because of Pant that India pulled off a historic victory in the fourth Test at the Gabba. Chasing 328 in the fourth innings, the southpaw smashed 89 not out to take the visitors over the line.
In an exclusive chat with TOI, Rishabh Pant reflected on his Brisbane knock, saying: “When I got out in the 2019 World Cup semifinal, it was a very disheartening moment for me. It was a big opportunity for me to do something special for India. I didn’t know when such a big moment would come again. I have always dreamt of winning matches from tough situations and doing something which is unbelievable. I never thought of scoring my own runs. A match-winning effort can be a knock of 20 runs or even a special catch.”
He also gave an insight on how he and Washington Sundar plan the chase in the final hour.
“I told Washi to play the anchor and I will go big. But he said he wanted to hit big. Then both of us calmed down and decided that one has to anchor and other would go for the shots! Washi played that role.”
In the third Test at SCG, Pant played a scintillating knock of 97 despite an elbow injury when India were chasing over 300 runs on the final day.
Commenting on the Sydney innings, the left-hander said: “Even when I got out for 97 on the last day in Sydney, I thought I could have won the match had I batted longer. It didn’t matter that I had to take two injections and sedatives before batting. I was in a zone and didn’t want to throw away opportunities. So I ensured I was there at the end in Brisbane.”
When enquired if draw is never an option in his dictionary, Pant replied: “Losing is not an option, but winning is always the better option. The mindset was that I had to win the series for my team, then this tour would be truly memorable. At the end of the day, it’s all about winning matches for India. Nothing matches the high it gives you.”
Pant will now be seen in action in the home Test series against England, starting February 5.
Asked about his preparation for the England series, the 23-year-old said: “I can’t afford to think about all that. I know I am improving and putting a lot of work into all aspects of my cricket. I am just hungry to cash in on whatever opportunity I get. Even if you don’t get much time to work on your skills in between series, you try to be there mentally and be in a good space, keep working on your fitness."
