Rahul Dravid's student, now Abhishek Sharma's fan: Rishabh Pant on batting mavericks
Rishabh Pant has revealed his admiration for two batting mavericks - Rahul Dravid and Abhishek Sharma. Speaking on India Today's Salaam Cricket, Pant revealed how one of Dravid's advises will stay with him lifelong.
India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant feels there is no batter more dangerous than Abhishek Sharma in world cricket at the moment. Speaking on India Today’s Salaam Cricket, Pant said that everything Abhishek is doing right now is working in his favour and that the batter has proven his big-hitting ability is no fluke.
Pant, an attacking batter himself, praised the consistency of his younger compatriot, stating that maintaining peak form in the Indian Premier League across multiple seasons is no small feat.
“Going by current form, it is Abhishek Sharma. He is so consistent. Even in the IPL, he has maintained his peak, which means his process works and he is backing it with belief. Every day cannot be tukka,” Rishabh Pant said on India Today’s Salaam Cricket.
Abhishek Sharma is heading into his maiden T20 World Cup as one of the most in-form batters in the world. Since making his international debut in mid-2024, Abhishek has been in sensational touch, scoring nearly 1,300 runs from 38 matches at a staggering strike rate of 195.
Rishabh Pant on Rahul Dravid’s Advice
Apart from Abhishek, Pant revealed that one batter he has always admired throughout his career is Rahul Dravid. Pant said the former India head coach left a lasting impact on him during his time with the national team.
Pant, who flourished under Dravid across formats, said one piece of advice from the Indian legend has stayed with him.
“I think the key is not thinking about it too much and not dwelling on it. There’s one really good line I learnt from Rahul (Dravid) bhai. He always told me one thing: ‘Rishabh, no matter what happens, try to be the same person when you score a hundred and when you score a zero,’” Pant said.
“I think, as an athlete, that’s the hardest thing to do — to remain who you are. Emotions sometimes get the better of you, but that line always stays with me. So personally, I try that. Whether I score zero or a hundred, I want to be the same guy. Maybe when I get out, it hurts more. I don’t enjoy scoring runs as much as I feel the pain of getting out,” the wicketkeeper-batter concluded.
Rishabh Pant recently endured a horrible patch of form in ODI cricket which saw his stocks go down. The keeper-batter is not a part of the T20 World Cup squad as well, and is only focusing on Test cricket at the moment, where he vice-captains the Indian team.
India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant feels there is no batter more dangerous than Abhishek Sharma in world cricket at the moment. Speaking on India Today’s Salaam Cricket, Pant said that everything Abhishek is doing right now is working in his favour and that the batter has proven his big-hitting ability is no fluke.
Pant, an attacking batter himself, praised the consistency of his younger compatriot, stating that maintaining peak form in the Indian Premier League across multiple seasons is no small feat.
“Going by current form, it is Abhishek Sharma. He is so consistent. Even in the IPL, he has maintained his peak, which means his process works and he is backing it with belief. Every day cannot be tukka,” Rishabh Pant said on India Today’s Salaam Cricket.
Abhishek Sharma is heading into his maiden T20 World Cup as one of the most in-form batters in the world. Since making his international debut in mid-2024, Abhishek has been in sensational touch, scoring nearly 1,300 runs from 38 matches at a staggering strike rate of 195.
Rishabh Pant on Rahul Dravid’s Advice
Apart from Abhishek, Pant revealed that one batter he has always admired throughout his career is Rahul Dravid. Pant said the former India head coach left a lasting impact on him during his time with the national team.
Pant, who flourished under Dravid across formats, said one piece of advice from the Indian legend has stayed with him.
“I think the key is not thinking about it too much and not dwelling on it. There’s one really good line I learnt from Rahul (Dravid) bhai. He always told me one thing: ‘Rishabh, no matter what happens, try to be the same person when you score a hundred and when you score a zero,’” Pant said.
“I think, as an athlete, that’s the hardest thing to do — to remain who you are. Emotions sometimes get the better of you, but that line always stays with me. So personally, I try that. Whether I score zero or a hundred, I want to be the same guy. Maybe when I get out, it hurts more. I don’t enjoy scoring runs as much as I feel the pain of getting out,” the wicketkeeper-batter concluded.
Rishabh Pant recently endured a horrible patch of form in ODI cricket which saw his stocks go down. The keeper-batter is not a part of the T20 World Cup squad as well, and is only focusing on Test cricket at the moment, where he vice-captains the Indian team.