Kiran More’s Inputs Helps Rishabh Pant on India’s Australia Tour
Feb 16, 2019 at 6:30 PM
As the sun is shining on Rishabh Pant, he has been exemplary while donning the gloves for India on Australia tour during the four-match Test series. Thus, Pant has credited former wicketkeeper-batsman Kiran More for his indispensable suggestion which bore fruits for the youngster.
The former chairman of the Board of Control for Cricket in India‘s (BCCI) selection committee More has suggested Pant on the technicalities of wicket-keeping. He suggested Pant for an open-chested posture while keeping his head still.
The exciting prospect Pant has set the world record-equalling in the Adelaide Test by affecting 11 dismissals. Overall, he pouched 20 catches in the gruelling series. Pant was the second leading run-getter in Australia Test series.
Earlier, during the England tour, Pant was criticized for his mixed outing owing to his wicket-keeping role. However, he yielded results following the suggestions from More.
“Keeping in England was an altogether different experience. After that, I worked with Kiran sir at the NCA on a few specific areas. It included hand-positioning and body posture. Every keeper has distinct movement and I tweaked it a little and it worked,” Pant told PTI.
The 56-year-old More further believes Mahendra Singh Dhoni‘s success lies in his balance. Apart from it, Dhoni has been quick in his reflexes which sets him apart from other glovemen.
“Rishabh had a more sideways movement and I suggested a bit more open chested stance. It helps in balance and keeping a still head, something that is key to Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s success,” More added.
Changes help Pant to relish on Australia tour:
While facing the tough time behind the stumps in English conditions, Pant conceded too many byes when the Dukes was doing much. However, he went on to play a significant role in the Australian soil.
While pointing out the areas to work on for Pant, More believes it eventually helps in avoiding injuries.
“I advised a very minor change like pointing the finger towards ground rather than the bowler. It helps one avoid injuries and success in taking catches goes up,” More said.
Pant, who’s inspired by Dhoni, has set his focus on his fitness. He aims for the long run in the national team. The keen learner of the game has backed himself after every game. He recently bagged the ICC’s Emerging Player Award.
Apart from the shortcomings with his glovework, Pant has smashed a fine hundred at the Oval against England. Also, he recently slammed an unbeaten 159 at the Sydney Cricket Ground to claim yet another milestone.
The southpaw has shown a remarkable improvement in the Test leg in nine matches. So far, he has played 13 Twenty20 Internationals and three One-day Internationals.