Koi nahi bolta ke, ‘Bhai team mein aaja’, says Rishabh Pant on his place in the Indian team

In a very short time, Rishabh Pant has made quite a name for himself at the international level. Even though he is just 21 years old, the wicket-keeper batsman has established himself into an important member of the Indian team across all the formats. Replacing someone like MS Dhoni is quite an herculean task. The youngster, in an interview, spoke about his relationship with the legendary cricketer.

He said that he doesn’t think about the comparison with Dhoni but added that it’s too difficult. Pant said that he is constantly learning from him and realizes that he can’t think he can be in Dhoni’s league overnight. Moreover, he said that he considers MS Dhoni as his mentor. He also informed that the Jharkhand cricketer taught him many things.

“I do think about the comparison with Dhoni sometimes, but it’s too difficult. If I am learning from him, I can’t possibly think that I can be in his league overnight. I am just trying to learn from him. I consider him my mentor. He has taught me so many things — be it how to work on my batting or mindset before I go to bat, and most importantly, keeping calm in pressure situations.”

Rishabh Pant said that he wants to keep things simple at this stage. He wants to play the game to the best of his ability. Moreover, he is willing to learn from everyone around him, particularly, seniors. “At 21, if I start thinking that I have to fill Dhoni’s shoes, it will get very difficult for me. I just try to keep it simple. I want to play the game to the best of my ability and learn from everyone around me, especially my seniors,” the Delhi cricketer said.

Nobody gifted me a place in the team, I earned it

Furthermore, Rishabh Pant said that it is good for a player to get an early break. However, he was quick to acquaint that he isn’t getting anything for free. He said that he worked hard for his place in the team and added that nobody gifted him that position.

“It’s good for a player to get an early break. Besides, I am not getting anything for free. I have worked hard and earned my place in the Indian cricket team. Nobody has gifted that to me. Koi nahi bolta ke, ‘Bhai team mein aaja’. Aisa nahi hota hai. If you don’t perform well, you won’t be selected. It’s as simple as that. Everyone has to justify their spot in the team,” he told in the interview with Bombay Times.