Former India skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni is one of the greatest players to have ever represented India in International cricket. His batting exploits, shrewd cricketing brain, and off-field persona have earned him a massive fan following. He has been an icon for youngsters in world cricket for several years. Among his followers is also India’s wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant.
Rishabh Pant got an opportunity to share the dressing room with MS Dhoni when he made his India debut. Since then, he shares a great bond with the Ranchi cricketer. The youngster has often spoken about his admiration for the former Indian cricketer. In this article, we take a look at three times Rishabh Pant expressed his admiration for MS Dhoni.
#3 I’m attracted to MS Dhoni, because of the innovation he brings to Indian cricket
Rishabh Pant has tried to imbibe MS Dhoni’s wicket-keeping qualities in his game. In an interview on BCCI.tv, the Delhi batter expressed that he used to watch MS Dhoni’s innovative wicket-keeper techniques during his early days and learn to replicate them. He also added that he has learned a lot from Dhoni as a person and as a cricketer.
“As a wicket-keeper, I used to see the innovation he had in the early days. That’s why I’m attracted to him, (because) of the innovation he (brings) to Indian cricket. I’ve learned a lot from him as a person and as a cricketer. Whenever he’s around, I feel more confident as a person. If I’ve got any problems I can share them with him and get a solution right away,” said Rishabh Pant.
#2 MS Dhoni has been like a mentor to me
India’s wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant expressed that former India skipper MS Dhoni has been a mentor for him on and off the field. He added that Dhoni always guides him with solutions, but ensures that Pant does not get dependent on him. In an Instagram live session with his IPL team Delhi Capitals a few years back, Rishabh Pant expressed his admiration for the legendary cricketer. He said,
“He (Dhoni) has been like a mentor to me, on and off the field. I can approach him freely with any problem I may be facing, and he will never give me the entire solution for it. This is so that I don’t become entirely dependent on him, he gives me hints only that help me solve the issue myself.”
He’s also one of my favorite batting partners, though it’s not something that happens too often. If Mahi Bhai is at the crease, you know things are sorted. He’s got a plan in his head, and all you need to do is follow it!” he added.
#1 “I just love him”
Rishabh Pant’s game is often compared to former wicket-keeper batter, MS Dhoni. Fans see the resemblance between the duo’s cricketing skills and on-field persona. When asked about comparisons with MS Dhoni, Rishabh Pant tried to downplay them and expressed his admiration for the former skipper. He added that he is concentrating on bettering his game each passing day.
“I just love him. I am focusing on my cricket and taking one match at a time,” said Rishabh Pant as reported by TOI.
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