NEW DELHI: Rishabh Pant‘s dominating run in cricket, especially the longest format, faced an abrupt halt following the horrific car accident in 2022. It resulted in several injuries and kept the youngster away from cricket for more than a year.
The wicketkeeper-batter underwent a long rehab and spent most of his time at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.Former India men’s senior selection committee chairman MSK Prasad feels it allowed him a long period of introspection which made him more mature and responsible, both in life and his game.
Prasad, who also played 6 Tests and 17 ODIs for India, believes that the injury allowed him to recalibrate his approach towards cricket and life. In the recently-concluded Bengaluru Test, Pant showed a greater sense of maturity and played a fluent 99-run hand which allowed India to fightback in the Test. Pant’s calmness, ability to rotate the strike, and leadership were on full display.
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In a candid chat with TimesofIndia.com, Prasad spoke at length about Pant’s comeback, his seventh dismissal in the 90s in Tests, and much more …
Rishabh Pant fell just one run short of a century in Bengaluru, marking the seventh time he’s missed out on a Test hundred. What are your thoughts on that?
Why are we calling it the nervous 90s? Do you think it is nervous 90s? He might be getting out, but I don’t think it is nervous 90s. If someone is nervous, he will not get out in the 90s so many times. He is not someone who is bothered about hundreds or anything. Pant is a player who doesn’t play for stats. If there was any nervousness in his batting, he wouldn’t have converted all his 90s into 100s.
What changes have you observed in Pant since his car accident in 2022?
He has now calmed down a bit because of the injury. His gratitude towards life and the game has increased. Earlier, it was a ‘kuch bhi chalega’ kind of approach. But now, post-injury, Pant is totally different towards his game, and the way he conducts himself is just amazing.
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After the injury, he has become more responsible. He had a year to sit back and introspect. God gave him a second life, and he has realised that, and now that realisation is reflecting in his game and life. The way he was talking to Sarfaraz, guiding and encouraging him to play lofted shots. He was rotating the strike with him, giving continuous pep talks, shouting at him, and guiding him in the Bengaluru Test.
The recovery period has really taught Pant a lot. At some stage in someone’s career, there is always a turning point. The injury has done more good to Pant than harm.
Can you share some insights from your personal interaction with Pant?
When I personally spoke to Pant, he said he has become a bit philosophical. He discussed his life post-injury and what he learned from the period he spent bedridden after that horrific accident. He has become philosophical. He takes more responsibility now, and he is more caring towards life. Such changes have come in Pant. He looks more mature now.
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Would you call Pant as Team India’s go-to player in high-pressure situations, espeically after his knock in Bengaluru Test?
I think along with Rishabh, Sarfaraz also deserves credit. They both batted really well and took India out of that dangerous position. India was under pressure, but the kind of confidence and exuberance these guys showed on the field was just unbelievable. Pant has centuries against SENA countries. He has played many match-winning knocks, with an important mention of the knock he played in Australia. This is the sign of a hallmark player. The moment we think about Rishabh Pant, we think of him as a master blaster.
Do you think Pant will once again be a key player against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy?
Pant’s role will undoubtedly be very, very important. He is as important as the most senior cricketers in the side. He is going to play a big role again in India’s quest to retain the trophy.