'From my IPL contract to my wicket-keeping, he's advised me on everything.'
Touted as a potential successor to Mahendra Singh Dhoni behind the stumps, Rishabh Pant says the former India captain has helped shape quite a few things in his still nascent career, ranging from his Indian Premier League contract to advice on wicketkeeping techniques.
"Whenever I needed any support from Mahi bhai, I used to ask him. From my IPL contract to my wicket-keeping, he's advised me on everything," the 20-year-old Pant told bcci.tv.
"He's always told me that when it comes to wicket-keeping, your hands and head coordination is important, the body balance can come into play later. That (his advice) has helped me a lot," said the southpaw.
Pant says the positivity in the Indian team's dressing room is also quite infectious.
The youngster was not picked for the limited-overs leg of the England tour despite a stellar IPL show but earned his maiden call-up in Tests through his gritty performances with the India 'A' team.
"Every time I come to the Indian dressing room, there is one thing that has always stood out for me. It is the positivity in the dressing room. Everyone is supporting and backing each other, which is the most important factor about this Indian dressing room," he said.
Asked about the challenge of switching formats from IPL to the ODI and four-day games in England, Pant said he does not stress over that.
"I reckon there isn't too much difference, but it has got more to do with shot selection. In red ball cricket, with the field placements, you can look around; take your time, because you have five days to play. Whereas in limited overs cricket you have limited number of balls to play and score.
"I have so far enjoyed my preparation with red ball cricket. The duke ball swings a lot when you are here in England and initially when I started playing here with India 'A', I realised that the swing will come a lot into play in these conditions."
He also received praise from India 'A' coach Rahul Dravid for his performance in England.
"The only thing he tells me is that you need to be patient about everything, be it on the field or off it. Also, how I need to work harder on my game when it comes to red ball cricket since I'm a positive batsman, but at times you need to play to the situation. See the pace of the game and change your game accordingly."
The fact that he has been playing in England for a while has prepared him well for the Test series. Dinesh Karthik is the first-choice wicketkeeper in the absence of Wriddhiman Saha, so it remains to be seen if Pant will get his big break.
Former India wicketkeeper Kiran More recently went to the extent of saying that Pant could be the next Adam Gilchrist.
"I always see everything as an opportunity coming my way. Especially as a wicket-keeper batsman in India, wherein, there aren't too many options for the spot. Therefore, whatever opportunity I get, I try and optimise it.
"Adam Gilchrist has been my idol when it comes to keeping wickets and I used to watch him all the time as a youngster. But, at this moment, I'm learning a lot from people around me like Rahul Dravid Sir, Ajinkya Rahane, Virat Kohli and I try and improve my game every day," he said.
How did he react when he found out about his Test selection, especially after the disappointment of not making it to the ODI or T20I team?
"I always wanted to be a part of the Indian Test squad and it was more like a dream come true for me. It was an amazing feeling, not only for me but also for my family and my coach Tarek Sinha Sir, who helped me understand the game very early in my life.
"He has always wanted me to play Test cricket for India and when I got the call, he was very happy and proud and I enjoyed that moment," he summed up.
