'He needs a mind coach' - Brad Haddin, Brad Hogg heap praise on Rishabh Pant's talent

Rishabh Pant has had a start-stop international career so far. Even though he has been excellent in the Indian Premier League the wicket-keeper batsman hasn’t been able to fix a spot in the Indian lineup. After the world cup, when MS Dhoni decided to take some time off the field, Pant was given the responsibility of keeping in the Indian white-ball lineup. Even in the absence of Wriddhiman Saha, Pant had impressed with the gloves and with the bat during the overseas Test tours of England and Australia.

But, inconsistent and poor batting performances after the world cup led to the downfall of Pant. He was dropped out of the Indian one-day XI after KL Rahul was given the opportunity to keep. Rahul also batted in the middle order and has established himself as the permanent keeper in the limited-overs format. Virat Kohli has been backing the right-handed batsman because of his better batting performances since the world cup.

The young keeper also lost his Test spot to the returning Saha. However, in the recent series against New Zealand Rishabh when was brought back into the side citing that he is a better batsman than Saha. But, poor performances in that test series has now led everyone to believe that could be dropped from the Test squad as well.

Rishabh Pant should create his own style, says Brad Haddin

Experts from all over the globe have praised Pant for his talent. Recently in interviews, two famous Australian cricketers praised the Indian superstar. Brad Hogg, the former Australian spinner, seems to have an idea that Pant needs a mind coach to help him become a better batsman. He also believes that the Delhi batsman is extremely talented.

“I turn my television when Rishabh Pant comes to the crease, the entertainer. His issue is that he has too much talent to know what to do with it. He could do with a mind coach, a lot of great sportsmen use them. It is all in the mind for him”, Hogg said.

On the other hand, former Australian wicket-keeper batsman Brad Haddin also suggested that the Indian keeper should try and create his own style rather than trying to be under the pressure of copying someone else’s style. Haddin took his own example to make his point.

“Expectation comes with anyone at this level and that’s one of the things you’ve got to deal with. But the most important thing is to create your own identity of what you want to be seen as,” Haddin told to Sportstar. “You bring your own style to the team. When I first got my opportunity to play Test cricket, I couldn’t try to be an Adam Gilchrist or Ian Healy. I had to bring my own unique style to the game. One of the challenges here is not trying to be someone you’re not and just be true to yourself,” he further added.