In the ongoing Ranji Trophy, 19-year old left-hand batsman, Rishabh Pant’s exploits with the bat have stood out. With 799 runs from five matches at a strike rate of 114.14 and a highest score of 308 this season, he is currently leading the highest run-getters list in the tournament.
He has kept wickets and he has scored runs with zest. The match against Jharkhand in the fifth round was another display of Pant’s hunger for scoring runs. His century off just 48 balls in the second innings is the fastest in first-class cricket in India. The knock came after the team was asked to follow on and the situation spurred the youngster on.
Reflecting on the record-breaking ton he said, “They had enforced the follow on, you feel bad obviously. I felt bad, and the thought was at the back of my mind ...that they have enforced a follow on, but you can’t give it to them that easily. They should feel that they have committed an error. So, the thought in my mind was, how to make them feel they have erred. I was positive and I was batting well, so I took full advantage of it. When I got the opportunity I scored, if I didn’t or got a good ball I waited for my opportunity. I took the initiative.
While his 135 off 67 balls in the second innings was crucial in saving the game, Pant had scored a century (117 off 106 balls) in the first innings as well. Although his heroics with the bat helped Delhi pull off a draw after being asked to follow on, the end result wasn’t much to the young man’s liking.
Speaking about his twin centuries and form so far, Pant said, “As a cricketer I am happy (to have scored back-to-back centuries), but if we had got that first innings lead than I would have been happier. If your runs are for a winning cause you feel better. I did save the game, but there is a difference between a winning cause and saving the game. In Mumbai too, we had conceded the first innings lead (when he scored his maiden triple-hundred). I still feel the hurt within.”
In their effort to secure a first innings lead, Delhi were on course at the end of Day 2. With Pant and stand-in skipper Unmukt Chand at the crease at the end of second day’s play, the match was hanging in balance. Delhi were 225 for three at stumps on the day in reply to the opposition’s 493. Reflecting on the situation as it turned on its heels on Day 3, the batsman said, “Yes, at the end of Day 2 it was even. That is the beauty of cricket - no one knows what will happen, anything is possible. It can change very quickly there is uncertainty in it.”
Playing positively, he helped the team to a point and maintain the run rate all of which can make a difference for qualifying for the knockouts. And while he worked to keep his team afloat, Pant broke record, but wasn’t aware of it. “I came to know a while after I had finished my innings and returned to the dressing room,” he said.
While records are being set, and his batting skills appreciated, Pant seeks to help his team come out on top and finish on the winning side. “I follow my routines and schedule. I do not make too many changes. I hope to contribute to the team’s cause. So far the routines are working so I am also feeling happy doing them,” he said.
