Rishabh Pant embraces keep it simple mantra after losing Test vice-captaincy
Rishabh Pant has lost the Test vice-captaincy and is no longer a regular in India's ODI team, but the wicketkeeper-batter says he is not looking too far ahead. For him, the focus is on making the most of the next opportunity.
Pant is in Srinagar for the Irani Cup, where he will turn out for Rest of India. It is his first red-ball game since India's Test tour of Sri Lanka last month and comes with the New Zealand Test series on the horizon.
"For me, it's very simple. Whatever is in front of me, I will give my best," Pant said ahead of the Irani Cup. "That's how I played cricket and I keep it very simple. So whatever opportunity I get, I try to make the best out of it. For me, every game is an opportunity. I want to give my best and I keep it very simple."
Pant is now a one-format regular for India. KL Rahul remains the first-choice wicketkeeper in ODIs, while Pant has also lost the Test vice-captaincy. He was not part of India's squad for the ongoing ODI series against the West Indies.
But Pant said he has learned to deal with the ups and downs of international cricket.
"I try to give my best every time I take on the field. And that has been the key for me over a period of time," he said. "Yes, there will be ups and downs. When you want to have an international career for 15-20 years, you have to go through all these things. So it's that kind of mindset."
Pant's approach to the game changed during his long recovery after the car crash in December 2022. He missed nearly 18 months of cricket while recovering from multiple injuries.
"See, when you have gone through so much in your life, you understand, you know, keeping it simple is the key," Pant said.
"Obviously, when you're playing for your country, working hard is not optional. You have to work hard, you have to be mentally strong, and you've got to keep on learning and keep on improving. And that's the mindset you want to keep."
The three-week break before the Irani Cup also gave Pant time to rest and recover. He said he is not worrying about his selection, form or fitness and would rather focus on the game in front of him.
"Especially when you're going through a long rehab, it's always frustrating. But developing that mindset [not overthinking] is obviously challenging, but at the same time, you know, if you're playing international cricket, you have to go through challenges," he said.- Ends
