‘I Want to be Myself, I Want to be Rishabh Pant’ – Pant on Comparisons with MS Dhoni

Jan 17, 2019 at 5:48 PM

facebook iconlinkedin iconmail icontwitter iconWhatsApp iconTelegram icon
‘I Want to be Myself, I Want to be Rishabh Pant’ – Pant on Comparisons with MS Dhoni

Only ten days back India clinched the unprecedented Test series against Australia (2-1) in Australia. The man of the hour in the final Test at the SCG was Cheteshwar Pujara. However, there was someone who was slowly carving his name on team India’s wall with his performances, Rishabh Pant. The Prodigy, in his ten Tests played so far, has two hundred to his name and two 90’s as well. Meanwhile, when compared to India’s most decorated wicketkeeper-batsman, MS Dhoni, Pant says he idolises him, but he wants to be known as ‘Rishabh Pant’.

I look upto Adam Gilchrist, MS Dhoni – Pant

During the U-19 World Cup in 2016, Pant announced his arrival in cricket in style. Though India didn’t win the finale, losing to the Windies; Rishabh Pant left an immediate impact as a power-hitter. During the campaign itself, the left-handed batsman revealed he looks upto Adam Gilchrist and MS Dhoni, but he doesn’t want to become like them. He added, he would want to be different, someone who is unique in his approach; but would love to learn from his idols. Speaking to Cricbuzz, Pant said,

“I do idolize Gilchrist and Mahi bhai (Dhoni),” said Pant. “But that doesn’t mean I want to become that same person. It’s not about copying your idol. It’s more about learning things from them. I want to be myself. I want to be Rishabh Pant,”

Rishabh Pant, MS Dhoni
Pant says he idolizes MS Dhoni but wants to have his identity in cricket. Image Courtesy: AP

However, MS Dhoni, at this stage of his career hasn’t been on the top of the chart among runs. Though his wicketkeeping abilities are by a distance the best in the world; his batting exploits have churned down a bit. Even during the ongoing ODI series against Australia, MS Dhoni had scored two fifties but had faced flak as well.

As he remains under pressure to deliver with the bat every time he steps on the field, Dhoni looks sure to be part of India’s 2019 World Cup squad. However, Pant, who also aims to fly to England for the mega event said he changed his approach a bit and the technique even with the passing time. Since 2016, not only Pant has curbed his explosive batting but also has matured enough to understand the situation of the game.

“I had to change myself as a person after my father passed away two years ago. I do realize what responsibility is,” he added.

Living away from home made me who am I today – Pant

Rishabh Pant revealed he had spent nights away from home, and that his hard work has paid off. Opening up about his life before he made it big in the cricketing world, Rishabh reveals he had spent nights in Gurudwara as well. As a general norm, such circumstances could make or break anyone; it did the positive in case of Rishabh Pant.

“It feels good when your hard work pays off. But everyone has struggled to get to where he has. Everyone has had his share of good and bad days,” he revealed.

Meanwhile, Pant didn’t get picked for Australia, New Zealand ODIs but instead got selected for the Kiwis T20Is.

Related Article
While MS Dhoni Was My Captain, My Eye Was On Virat Kohli: Ravi Shastri
While MS Dhoni Was My Captain, My Eye Was On Virat Kohli: Ravi Shastri

Feb 10, 2024, 3:34 PM


Difficult To Get Loyalty Unless…: MS Dhoni Opens Up On Leadership Qualities
Difficult To Get Loyalty Unless…: MS Dhoni Opens Up On Leadership Qualities

Feb 10, 2024, 11:14 AM


MS Dhoni’s New Bat Sticker Goes Viral As He Wins Hearts With His Gesture For Childhood Friend
MS Dhoni’s New Bat Sticker Goes Viral As He Wins Hearts With His Gesture For Childhood Friend

Feb 8, 2024, 12:35 PM


I Used To Go Back To My Room And Cry At 20-21 Years Of Age – Rishabh Pant Opens Up On His Comparison With Legendary MS Dhoni
I Used To Go Back To My Room And Cry At 20-21 Years Of Age – Rishabh Pant Opens Up On His Comparison With Legendary MS Dhoni

Feb 2, 2024, 5:18 PM


IND vs ENG: Don’t Worry About The Result, Focus On The Process – Dhruv Jurel Reveals The Crucial Advice Of MS Dhoni During The IPL
IND vs ENG: Don’t Worry About The Result, Focus On The Process – Dhruv Jurel Reveals The Crucial Advice Of MS Dhoni During The IPL

Feb 1, 2024, 11:18 AM


Ben Stokes Reveals Influence Of MS Dhoni And Stephen Fleming On His Partnership With Brendon McCullum
Ben Stokes Reveals Influence Of MS Dhoni And Stephen Fleming On His Partnership With Brendon McCullum

Jan 31, 2024, 12:20 PM


Desktop Banner
Mobile Banner