Delhi: A slight tweak in hand positioning and body posture was all that it took for Rishabh Pant to turn the tables after a tough stint behind the stumps in England and the fast-rising Indian wicketkeeper-batsman has credited Kiran More for making it happen. He faced sharp criticism for his wicket- keeping skills in adverse English conditions but Pant more than made up for it in Australia. He pulled off 20 catches in Oz land with a world record-equalling 11 scalps in Adelaide.
“Keeping in England was an altogether different experience. After that, I worked with Kiran sir at the NCA on a few specific areas. It included hand-positioning and body posture. Every keeper has distinct movement and I tweaked it a little and it worked,” Pant told this agency.
Pant didn’t elaborate on the specifics. However, More, who has been a respected coach as well as former chairman of the national selection committee, pointed out a few basic areas.
“Rishabh had a more sideways movement and I suggested a bit more open-chested stance. It helps in balance and keeping a still head, something that is key to Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s success,” More stated.
About the positioning of hands, More said, “I advised a very minor change like pointing the finger towards ground rather than the bowler. It helps one avoid injuries and success in taking catches goes up.’
The turning point for Pant was certainly the hundred at the Oval in England which gave him confidence and its effect showed in Australia where he was phenomenal both behind as well as in front of the stumps.
“When I got that hundred in England, the confidence rose to a different level. From there, I started constantly thinking that how can I improve in certain areas. The process of learning that started in England paid off in Australia,” said the heir apparent to Dhoni.
Having scored 684 runs in the last IPL season for Delhi (erstwhile Daredevils), Pant obviously wants a repeat and would prefer batting at the top of the order for the Capitals.
“As a batsman, I would always like to bat as high as possible but the team combination is also very important,” pointed out Pant, who expects things to change for Delhi this time round.
“We have had a change in name, jersey and new players have come in. It’s a good blend of youth and experience. Hope both departments click this time and Delhi Capitals have a good tourney,” added the rising star.
With 2,77,000 followers on Twitter, Pant’s fan following is on the rise but for him it’s a by-product of his success on the field and nothing more than that.
As a young celebrity, he provided his perspective on how social media can cut both ways. “You need to be careful about the social media. Once you are well known, your personal space shrinks. You will get a lot of praise but one should also be aware that you will have to deal with negativity,” Pant informed.
“Irrespective of social media’s influence, it’s the cricket that you play which will remain paramount. How to keep focus when you have hit a low patch and things are looking down, is something we all must learn,” he concluded.
PTI