Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant recently discussed his connection with former captain MS Dhoni, highlighting the ability to confide in Dhoni in ways he wouldn’t with others. Pant entered the national scene in 2017 towards the conclusion of Dhoni’s international career.
Dhoni, considered one of India’s most successful captains and accomplished wicketkeeper-batsmen, led the team to three ICC titles and amassed over 17,000 runs in his 15-year international career, showcasing numerous match-winning performances across formats.
In an interview with Star Sports, Pant shared details about his unique bond with Dhoni and recounted a humorous incident that took place between them.
“I always find it difficult to explain my relationship with him (MS Dhoni). I could share anything and everything with him. Even those things that I’d normally not share with anyone else,” Pant said.
He added: “Once during training, I told him that I am able to keep flawlessly during IPL games but when it comes to international games, I fumble or make mistakes. I asked him for advice and he just told me casually to keep the same mentality like for an international game.”
“As if it was that easy and I told him that ‘Bhaiyya, you are a legend, I’m just starting’ (laughs). I sometimes joke with him that, ‘you became a legend and left all the pressure on me, that’s unfair.”
Rishabh Pant’s promising career hit a setback following an unfortunate car accident in December 2022. The wicketkeeper-batsman has been sidelined since then but is anticipated to make a comeback to captain the Delhi Capitals in the 2024 IPL season.
“I used to go back in my room and cry” -Rishabh Pant reflects on being compared to MS Dhoni
Rishabh Pant expressed that he found the comparisons with MS Dhoni unfair and revealed the emotional toll it took on him, sharing how it led to moments of tears in his room. Considered the successor to Dhoni, the left-handed batsman faced significant scrutiny for his performances, particularly during the early phases of his career.
“I never understood this comparison (with Dhoni) because one player had barely played five games and the other had played 500 games. The comparison made no sense at all. I used to go back in my room and cry. I felt a lot of pressure and wondered how I’ll manage. Then I missed that stumping in Mohali and the crowd started to chant ‘Dhoni! Dhoni!’. It was tough,” said Pant.
The Mohali incident occurred in the second-to-last ODI of the five-match home series against Australia. Pant failed to execute a straightforward stumping chance of Ashton Turner, who subsequently played a match-winning innings of 84* from 43 deliveries.
Despite facing comparisons, Rishabh Pant has forged an impressive career, particularly in Test cricket. Pant maintains an average of over 43 in 33 Test matches and played a pivotal role in India’s historic series victory in Australia during the 2020-21 tour.
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