Rishabh Pant focuses on red-ball rhythm ahead of Irani Cup and New Zealand Tests
Rishabh Pant uses Irani Cup to build form for Ranji Trophy and New Zealand Tests.
Rishabh Pant said he remains unburdened by selection matters as he prepares to lead Rest of India against Jammu and Kashmir in the Irani Cup starting Thursday in Srinagar. The wicketkeeper-batter missed India's ongoing white-ball series against the West Indies.
Pant is using the match to regain rhythm ahead of the Ranji Trophy and India's two-Test tour of New Zealand in November. He has been training at the Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium and described his approach as straightforward.
The 18-month rehabilitation after his December 2022 car crash taught him to keep things simple, Pant said. He stressed the importance of mental strength and continuous improvement while acknowledging that ups and downs are part of a long international career.
CricHubb Take
Pant’s focus on red-ball cricket now positions him as India’s primary Test wicketkeeper-batter with limited white-ball opportunities in the near term.