Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has offered an important advice to budding cricketers, asking them to avoid the lure of IPL and focus on playing for the country as "everything else" follows thereafter.
Having made international debut in 2017, Pant has represented India in 43 Tests, 31 ODIs and 76 T20Is so far. He was part of India's triumphant Champions Trophy squad but did not get a game in the ICC tournament.
"Since childhood, I had only one dream—to play for India. I never even thought about playing in the IPL. I think today, people are more focused on the IPL. Of course, it's a great platform, but I believe that if your goal is to play for your country, everything else—including the IPL—will eventually fall into place," Pant told JioHotstar.
"If you have that bigger mindset, success will follow. I always believed that I would play for India one day, and God has been kind. At 18, I got the opportunity to make my debut, and I am grateful for that," he added.
The southpaw is known for flamboyant style of play and some of his trademark shots include a one-handed six with the bat often slipping out of his hands. He explained why that happens regularly.
"I think it mostly happens because I hold my bottom hand very lightly. I mainly try to use my bottom hand for support because, at times, it starts dominating. So, I focus on gripping my top hand tightly," said Pant.
"But when I overreach—especially when the ball is too wide or too short—it's not always in the ideal hitting zone. Sometimes, the shot I attempt may only have a 30-40% success rate, but depending on the match situation, I'm willing to take that risk. That's my mindset.
"When I take that chance and overreach, I need to do something to maintain balance. At times, it may look like I'm throwing the bat, but in reality, I'm just trying to make the most of that delivery. If my bat slips, if it's not in my hand, or even if it hits my head—my only focus at that moment is finding the boundary."
Pant revealed that being a gymnast in his younger days has also helped him as a cricketer. "I used to do gymnastics as a kid. My gymnastics coach always told me that it would come in handy in life.
"Basu Sir, our Indian team trainer, once told me in 2018-19, ‘Thank you to your gymnastics coach because what he taught you in childhood is still benefiting you today.' I kept practicing hand springs, and it has played a huge role in my fitness for sure," he said.
(With PTI Inputs)
