Young batting sensation Rishabh Pant has taken the Indian cricketing circle by a storm. The 19-year-old Delhi wicket-keeper batsman has ravaged through the record books in the ongoing season of Ranji Trophy, as the southpaw has been amassing his runs at an astonishing strike rate. The fact that he also keeps wickets is another promising aspect about the teenager.
Not too long ago, when regular Indian Test wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha was ruled out of the third Test in Mohali, Pant’s name for selection was discussed before the nod was given to the experienced gloves of Parthiv Patel. Nevertheless, the teenaged batting sensation is quite optimistic about earning a maiden national call up soon.
In his chat with Sportskeeda, Pant opened up about his ambitions. “I can tell only when I get the chance (maiden call up to team India),” Pant said. “But when it comes, I will be ready. If it, unfortunately, does not, I will concentrate on Ranji trophy and the rest of the season. The call-up is not in my hands.”
The youngster mentioned he blossomed under the guidance of Indian batting legend Rahul Dravid. “Rahul sir taught me how to live a disciplined life. He told me how to maintain consistency in top-level cricket. He also discussed with me things I can pick up from different cricketers. He has been an inspiration.”“I am following whatever he has told me. Like when I am playing IPL with big international cricketers, I am always following them closely. These things are helping me now.”“It’s been a good start for me to this season. With few more runs and centuries hopefully I will be able to end it on a high,” Pant added.
The record holder for the fastest ever century in a Ranji Trophy game also mentioned he seeks inspiration from Indian Test skipper Virat Kohli. “With Kohli, I have watched him bat and you try and emulate his consistency. Though I haven’t had many conversations with him, I have tried to pick up things from him when he bats. Like his feet movement, the way he watches the ball closely, his still head. He is so consistent at the international level so why can’t we be consistent here is a question I ask myself.”“If in future I can more interactions will try and learn everything that I can.”