Rishabh Pant was seen as the prodigy to take over from MS Dhoni and was groomed as such by the Indian team management ever since he made his India debut in 2017. Pant’s every mistake was minutely dissected and the crowd was not behind the idea of Pant replacing their beloved MS Dhoni.

Rishabh Pant shared his struggles with stress and pressure, especially during the early days of his career when he was compared with MS Dhoni who was nearing the end of his career. 

"I used to really feel very bad. I used to go back to my room and cry at 20-21 years of age. Under stress, I couldn't breathe. So much pressure and I didn't know what to do. I missed a stumping in Mohali, and the crowd started to chant 'Dhoni Dhoni'," Pant told Star Sports.  

The young keeper-batter admitted that comparisons with MS Dhoni were difficult to handle, especially at the beginning of his career when he was still finding trying to adjust to international cricket.

He also talked about his relationship with MS Dhoni and called him the only person, he shares everything about his life with.

'Rohit Bhaiya often jokes Rish-ball banayenge hum'- Rishabh Pant on his love for Bazball

"I always find it difficult to explain my relationship with MS Dhoni. There are some with whom you can talk freely. I discuss everything with MSD. I have learned so much from him. I discuss things with him that I wouldn't discuss with anybody else. That's the kind of relationship (I have) with him," Pant said.

Reflecting on the unfair comparisons, Pant expressed confusion about why questions were raised when he had just entered the team.

"Why were people raising such questions at a youngster? Why are you comparing? There shouldn't be any comparison at all. Some have played five matches and the others have played 500. It's been such a long journey, so many ups and downs, so the comparison is not fair," he said.

He also acknowledged support and backing from seniors like Yuvraj Singh and others when he first joined the team, emphasizing the welcoming and supportive culture of the Indian cricket team.

(PTI inputs)