Rishabh Pant credits mentor Rahul Dravid for his rise

Rishabh Pant made his international debut in a T20I against England in February. His name made headlines when he scored a triple century in the Ranji Trophy this season. And as promising as he appeared, he largely impressed in his debut season of the Indian Premier League in 2016.

Pant was also awaded a central contract by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) today under the Grade C category which features players who are in the reckoning but not a regular part of the team. The retainer fee for Grade C players is INR 50 lakhs.

Speaking to CricketNext, Rishabh said that even though all coaches are important as for tuning the players game, a mentor’s role can never be overlooked since he also works on the mental aspect of a cricketer.

“I cannot wait to reunite with Dravid sir — at Delhi Daredevils. The best part about him is that he lets you be yourself. He knows that a 19-year-old kid will not act like a 25-year-old and he gives you that freedom. Also, you do realise that as youngsters we try too many things at one go and this is where Dravid sir has helped me mature. I now back my instincts and don’t over think,” Pant said.

He was a part of India’s 2016 U19 World Cup squad as a wicketkeeper-batsman and was the second highest run-getter in the tournament and that sparked his association with Rahul Dravid.

“He has known me since the India U19 days and knows my strengths and weaknesses inside out and guides me accordingly. This is where the role of a mentor is very important. To be honest, there is no denying the importance of a good coach as he keeps telling you about your game. Rahul sir for me is more than a coach, sort of a mentor, who not only fine tunes my technique but also helps me develop a positive mindset,” Rishabh said.

Delhi Daredevils have not had a very great season in the last couple of years and Pant is confident it will change this year and the team will return home with the trophy.