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?
Denne historien er fra February 07, 2021 -utgaven av THE WEEK.
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Denne historien er fra February 07, 2021 -utgaven av THE WEEK.
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A golden girl
One of India's most formidable beauties passed away earlier this month. The odd thing is she would absolutely hate this obituary; she hated being written about and avoided publicity for all of her nine decades. Indira Aswani was 93 when she died. But anyone who encountered her, even briefly, was in such awe of her grace and poise, and one could not but remember her forever.
The interest in wine is growing delightfully in India
The renowned British wine writer and television presenter Jancis Robinson, 74, recently came to Delhi and Mumbai to reacquaint herself with India's wine industry. This was the Robinson's fourth visit to India; the last one was seven years ago. On this trip, Robinson and her husband, restaurateur Nicholas Lander, were hosted by the Taj Hotels and Sonal Holland, India's only Master of Wine.
United in the states
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COVER DRIVE
Usage-driven motor insurance policies offer several benefits
GDP as the only measure of progress is illogical
Dasho Karma Ura, one of the world's leading happiness experts, has guided Bhutan's unique gross national happiness (GNH) project. He uses empirical data to show that money cannot buy happiness in all circumstances, rather it is family and health that have the strongest positive effect on happiness. Excerpts from an interview:
India is not a controlling big brother
Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay considers India a benevolent elder sibling as the \"big brotherly attitude\" is happily missing from bilateral ties. He thinks the relationship shared by the two countries has become a model of friendship not just for the region, but for the entire world. \"India's attitude is definitely not of a big brother who is controlling and does not allow the little brother to blossom and grow,\" says Tobgay in an exclusive interview with THE WEEK.
Comrade with no foes
Lal Salaam, Comrade Yechury-you were quite a guy!
Pinning down saffron
In her first political bout, Vinesh Phogat rides on the anti-BJP sentiment across Haryana
MAKE IN MANIPUR
Home-made rockets and weapons from across the border are escalating the conflict
SAHEB LOSES STEAM
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