India vs Australia | If someone provokes me, I’ll give it back, reveals Rishabh Pant

One cannot help but admit that the whole sledging incident between Australian captain, Tim Paine, and Indian wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant was a great source of entertainment for the neutral fans across the world. ‘The Baby-sitter’ nickname that was bestowed on Pant is sticking around for now and the Delhi-born youngster is alright with it. However, in a recent interview with TOI, the 21-year-old revealed that while certain incidents can be written off as minor altercations, he is not someone who would retreat to a corner when provoked.

“I do idolize Gilchrist and Mahi bhai (Dhoni). But that doesn’t mean I want to become that same person. It’s not about copying your idol. It’s more about learning things from them. I want to be myself. I want to be Rishabh Pant.

“If someone provokes me, I’ll give it back. I had a duty to do for my team. But I know the code of conduct. I remember my values. I have sledged and people have actually loved it. That my mother and sister enjoyed it makes me happy,” Pant said in an exclusive interview with TOI.

The Delhi Capitals’ player enjoyed a fruitful outing down under as he drew plaudits from all across the globe for his exploits against Tim Paine & Co. The explosive batsman scored a total of 350 runs in the four matches against Australia to end the series as India’s second highest run-getter behind the magnificent, Cheteshwar Pujara. 

However, the wicket-keeper has added that after often been criticised for his performances and he has made his peace with that. He claimed that he does not listen to what’s said about him but only seeks advice from coaches Tarak Sinha and former Delhi wicketkeeper Devender Sharma.

“If someone really wants to help me, then he can always come to me. You can’t just criticize from a distance and then not help. I can’t go up to big names just like that.

“There is only one coach for me. I listen to everyone and then talk to Tarak sir. Devender sir has always taken care of me — be it my accommodation or helping in buying my first car,” Pant added.

Cricket FootBall Kabaddi

Basketball Hockey

SportsCafe