After having a slump in his career, Indian batsman Rishabh Pant made an explosive comeback and jumped back into form, and his last century is proof.
Pant discussed his century experience during an interview with the BCCI and elaborated on what exactly drove him to hammer 22 runs in the over – four fours and one six – to complete his century.
He said, “When I went out to bat a lot of overs were left, so (Hanuma) Vihari and I wanted to build a good partnership. We wanted to bat as much as possible. I was just trying to give myself as much time as possible and slowly I started to develop confidence.”
“As I approached my century, I realised I needed some 20-odd runs [I think] to get it. My first reaction was that I won’t be able to get it tonight. When the first ball hit me on my stomach, it made me angry. That’s when I said to myself ‘Now, I have to try going for a couple of shots’. Vihari came and told me ‘the century can be completed; you should try to go for it. Else, bat tomorrow and get there without any rush. I said ‘I’ll try. If I can get it, well and good. In the flow, the bowler kept bowling and I kept hitting.”
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Pant also explained how it was essential for the squad to have a good outing with the pink ball ahead of the series opener. India’s bowler put up a commendable show, with Mohammed Shami, Navdeep Saini and Jasprit Bumrah getting wickets.
“In the first innings we got out little early because there was a lot of moisture on the wicket. In the second innings, we got an idea about the wicket…so in the second innings everyone tried and applied more,” he said.
“The batting unit was keen to spend as much time as possible in the middle. It was necessary to play the practice match with the pink ball. The bowlers bowled well, the batsmen got good time at the crease. Everyone did well, so I think we got very good practice because playing under lights is little difficult.”
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