JOIN USNothing comes easy: Ravi Shastri reveals how Rishabh Pant toiled to transform himself
Rishabh Pant was once touted as the successor of Mahendra Singh Dhoni, but because of some reason, he got deviated from that path and lost his form. The situation was such that Wriddhiman Saha's place looked assured in the team, and other names cropped up as the future of India's wicket-keeping.
But in recent months, Rishabh Pant has been a revelation for Indian cricket. His unbeaten 89 in the fourth Test against Australia helped India to breach the Gabba fortress and clinch the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2-1.
His rich vein of form continued in the Test series against England, as he scored 91 and unbeaten 58 in the first and second Tests respectively. He was at his attacking best in the fourth Test, hammering a whirlwind 101 to give India a massive lead.
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The highlight of that innings was a reverse sweep off England's veteran fast bowler James Anderson, a shot that commentators described as 'audacious'. Even Australia's legendary wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist was full of praise for Pant's innings.
It’s not just about how many you get, but also when you get them. If you can somehow sync the first with the second, when the team needs it most, you’re a true match winner. Looking at you @RishabhPant17 👏
— Adam Gilchrist (@gilly381) March 5, 2021
But how did this transformation happen?
India's head coach Ravi Shastri told Star Sports after the match that the team management worked hard on Pant's fitness and focus.
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Shastri said, "Pant has been simply magnificent. We were hard on him. Nothing comes easy. He was told in no uncertain terms that he has got to respect the game a little more. He's got to lose a bit of weight and work hard on his keeping. We know the talent he has and he has responded."
He also added, "He has worked like hell for the last few months and the results are here to see. Yesterday's innings was the best counter-attacking innings I have seen in India. It was a two-phase innings. He built a partnership with Rohit playing against his nature - to do that is not easy - and to turn it on after 50. Keeping has been magnificent and Washi was outstanding too."