My father encouraged me to pursue my passion: Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant, a 20-year-old-kid, has been the talking point in the cricketing world for his exploits in the domestic cricket at such an early age. He has also made his debut in the International arena albeit only in the shortest format of the game. The youngster is being looked at as an able replacement for the Indian stalwart MS Dhoni behind the stumps. However, Pant has credited his father for encouraging him to pursue his passion.

Although Pant has been the part of only a couple of international matches, he has rubbed his shoulders with the legends like Rahul Dravid and Zaheer Khan courtesy Indian Premier League (IPL). He has even praised the former for improving his technique during his stint with Delhi Daredevils franchise in IPL. Though the youngster was shocked by the untimely death of his father during the IPL earlier this year. The rapid unfolding of events in his life and cricket both have made him a strong character which should bode him well in the future.

Tarak Singh Sir changed my life

Rishabh Pant, in an interview to Sportstar, has credited his father and his coach Tarak Singh for his exploits so far in his short career. ““My father always wanted me to play cricket; he encouraged me in pursuing my passion. His death was a shattering experience for me. He was only 53. I stayed only for three days to complete the rituals and then took a flight to Bengaluru to play an IPL fixture for Delhi Daredevils. Life has to go on…,” he said.

“I am playing cricket because of my father. As a university player he dreamt of playing for the country. I am happy he saw me wearing the India colours when I made my debut against England in a T20 match in Bengaluru,” the 20-year-old said of his father. He also said that his coach Tarak Singh changed his life who always pushed him to give his best.

“It was Tarak Singh Sir who changed my life. He was so helpful during my formative years and pushed me to give my best. I still recollect the nights I spent shadow-practising the strokes in front of a mirror in the room, as desired by my coach (Tarak). Those were testing times,” the upcoming star of India concluded. Though Pant has to keep performing to stay in contention for the place in the Indian team.