Until 2019, Rishabh Pant was called the first-choice wicketkeeper for the Indian team but somewhere the youngster has lost his place in all formats. First, Wriddhiman Saha replaced Pant in Tests. While with the start of 2020, KL Rahul’s emergence as the wicketkeeper-batsman has almost closed the door for Pant in the shorter formats. Meanwhile, Pant’s senior teammate Ajinkya Rahane wants the youngster to be ready whenever he gets the opportunity.
Nobody better than Rahane would understand what Pant is going through. Being the vice-captain in Test format, Rahane was dropped from the team in the first Test in South Africa in 2018.
However, the Mumbai player didn’t let any opportunity miss from his hand. Soon, Rahane made a strong return in the team.
Thus, Rahane backs Pant. He wants Pant to inculcate the habit of acceptance and move forward and work hard.
“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 against New Zealand at Wellington.
“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.”
Rishabh Pant should know his role: Ajinkya Rahane
According to Rahane, the wicketkeeper-batsman needs to be more responsible for his job. While the 31-year old hasn’t given clarity whether Pant will be in the playing XI for the upcoming Test series.
“You should try and focus on what he can control as a 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,” said Rahane.
Meanwhile, the first Test of the two-match series will be played from 21st February at Basin Reserve, Wellington.