India wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant feels the lure of the IPL is comprehensible however budding cricketers should all the time concentrate on playing for the nation as “everything else” follows thereafter.
Pant, who was a part of India’s triumphant Champions Trophy squad however didn’t get a recreation, made his worldwide debut again in 2017.
“Since childhood, I had only one dream – to play for India. I never even thought about playing in the IPL. I think today, people are more focused on the IPL. Of course, it’s a great platform, but I believe that if your goal is to play for your country, everything else – including the IPL – will eventually fall into place,” Pant advised JioHotstar.
“If you have that bigger mindset, success will follow. I always believed that I would play for India one day, and God has been kind. At 18, I got the opportunity to make my debut, and I am grateful for that,” stated the 27-year-old.
Pant is understood for a flamboyant model of play and a few of his trademark pictures embody a one-handed six with the bat typically slipping out of his palms. He defined why that occurs incessantly.
“I think it mostly happens because I hold my bottom hand very lightly. I mainly try to use my bottom hand for support because, at times, it starts dominating. So, I focus on gripping my top hand tightly,” stated Pant.
“But when I overreach – especially when the ball is too wide or too short – it’s not always in the ideal hitting zone. Sometimes, the shot I attempt may only have a 30-40% success rate, but depending on the match situation, I’m willing to take that risk. That’s my mindset.
“When I take that likelihood and overreach, I must do one thing to take care of stability. At instances, it might appear to be I’m throwing the bat, however in actuality, I’m simply attempting to take advantage of that supply. If my bat slips, if it is not in my hand, or even when it hits my head—my solely focus at that second is discovering the boundary.”
Pant said being a gymnast in his younger days has also helped him as a cricketer.
“I used to do gymnastics as a child. My gymnastics coach all the time advised me that it could come in useful in life.
“Basu Sir, our Indian team trainer, once told me in 2018-19, ‘Thank you to your gymnastics coach because what he taught you in childhood is still benefiting you today.’ I kept practicing hand springs, and it has played a huge role in my fitness for sure,” he stated.
Published – March 12, 2025 04:58 am IST
