XtraTime Web Desk: Indian cricket’s young sensation Rishabh Pant made his test debut in the third test against England at Trent Bridge. Though he didn’t score big but his intent with the bat in the first innings was praised by everyone. Not only had that he also done a remarkable job behind the wicket in a very tough English condition. After winning the third test at Trent Bridge the debutante told that it was dream come true moment for him as it was his dream to play test cricket in front of everyone.
“Actually it was a great experience. I had played with all the people during IPL and domestic cricket. But when you play for the country it’s a different feeling. And especially it was a dream for me playing test match cricket in front all of you,” said Pant while talking to the media.
Pant thanked legendary Indian cricketer Rahul Dravid and his childhood coach Tarak Sinha for all his success. He also stated that except them he would never be a here today.
“I am thankful to Rahul Dravid sir and beside that to my childhood coach Tarak Sinha sir. He helped me every time in my career. I have only one theory in my life that if anyone helps you in your life you should tell that to everyone. He was there for me during my hard times, he looked after my techniques and all the credit goes to Tarak sir,” added Pant.
On being asked if he faced problems while gathering the ball in this tough English conditions, Pant said,” See, keeping in England is very difficult behind the wicket. The ball wobbles a lot here. I have been playing here for India A, since the last two and a half months. I am all good with it. I have been practicing a lot in the nets to cope up with it and I have prepared myself that way.”
The team was down 0-2 and another loss would mean that, the visitors might lose the series as well. Rishabh got the chance in this do or die situation. He knows it pretty well and that’s why he was a bit nervous.
“I was nervous. Everyone is nervous when they play their first Test match but when I saw the ball coming, I didn’t think much and just reacted to it accordingly,” said Pant.
The young wicketkeeper also shared his journey to this far.
“The journey has been wonderful so far. It’s not easy to start from zero. Everyone has to struggle a lot and I was no different person. But in order to achieve something, if you work hard with utmost will and dedication, you’ll definitely reach your goal.”
Rishabh hit England’s spinner Adil Rashid for a huge six on just second delivery that he was facing in his debut match. On being asked what he was thinking on that time, Pant said,” See, I was not thinking anything. I just saw the ball and reacted to it. I was not thinking of hitting a 4 or a 6, I was just playing my normal cricket.”