THE BORDER-GAVASKAR series was perhaps a coming-of-age period for Rishabh Pant—wicketkeeper, batsman, match-winner of the final Test and the team’s funny man all rolled into one. Back home, he is feeling happier and more confident. Before leaving for Chennai to join the team camp for the England series, he spent a few days in Delhi with his mother and sister, who joined him from Roorkee, his hometown.
When THE WEEK spoke to Pant, he was in a playful mood—wearing a Tom and Jerry sweatshirt and a cap. He talked at length about the series victory in Australia, the challenges of balancing his wicketkeeping, batting and fitness, and how he plotted the unforgettable run chase on day five in Brisbane. He admitted that after long, he is once again happy in his life.
The win at the Gabba and all that unfolded after it are still hazy, and he cannot recall a single thing anyone said to him. But he has one grouse. That his mother did not pick up his phone call. “She never picks up my phone on time!”
After just a day’s rest, he was back in the nets training with his childhood coaches, Tarak Sinha and Devender Sharma, at the Sonnet Club in Delhi. Management agency JSW Sports signed him even before he landed in Delhi. He already plays for the company, which owns Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League.
Chirpy, cheeky and affable, this is the Rishabh Pant that the nation has grown to love. As a batsman, he has proven that he can be a match-winner for India anytime, anywhere. As a wicketkeeper, he is a work in progress. And he knows it. Excerpts from an interview:
Q/ It has been a few days since the team returned from Australia. Has it sunk in that you were one of the heroes of the series win?
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