India’s Test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane on Thursday (February 20) advised Rishabh Pant to remain focussed on improving as a cricketer as the latter is going through a rough patch.

Last year, Rishabh was overlooked for the home Tests against South Africa and Bangladesh with veteran wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha back in the team after recovering from a shoulder injury.

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Subsequently, the 22-year-old Pant lost his spot in white-ball cricket to KL Rahul and it is expected that Saha will continue to don the keeping gloves during the Test series against New Zealand, starting February 21 in Wellington.

"It's important to accept whatever you are going through. Be positive, try and learn as many things as possible from any of the players. Not saying it has to be senior or junior," Rahane said on the eve of the first Test.

"See no one likes to sit outside but whatever your team needs on a particular game, you have got to accept that. I think acceptance is really important talking about that particular individual. Focus on controllables, keeping working hard and improve as a cricketer," he added.

Rahane, who was snubbed from the Test playing XI during the 2018 tour of South Africa, wants Pant to believe that an opportunity could come his way anytime.

"You should try and focus on what he can control as player and keep visualizing that you will get an opportunity. You know what your role is. For Rishabh, he bats at No 6 or 7, so keep visualising about what if he gets an opportunity and what his role is. Keep it simple," he remarked.

(With PTI inputs)