Rishabh Pant had tensions with Rahul Dravid? Wicketkeeper drops a massive hint citing Ravi Shastri

Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant is all set to return to Test cricket with the upcoming home series against Bangladesh for the first time since his life-changing car accident in 2022.

His comeback is highly anticipated, as he was named in India’s 16-member squad for the opening Test of the two-match Test series against Bangladesh.

Notably, Rishabh Pant’s last Test appearance was also against Bangladesh in December 2022, just before his horrific accident that drastically changed his life and career.

He has so far represented India in 33 Tests and delivered several memorable innings that have etched his name in cricket history.

I had a great understanding with Ravi Shastri: Rishabh Pant

One of the left-handed batter’s standout performances includes an unbeaten 89 against Australia at the Gabba in 2021, which played a key role in Team India breaking Australia’s long-standing fortress and clinching the historic Test series win.

Well, Rishabh Pant has often credited former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri for his key role in his career.

Shastri’s coaching approach, which emphasized giving players the freedom to express themselves, was instrumental in the wicketkeeper’s development as a player.

Amidst the Duleep Trophy 2024 actions, Rishabh Pant has opened up about his relationship with Shastri.

He hailed the former head coach for offering him a supportive environment that allowed him to play with confidence and creativity. The 26-year-old said that he shares an amazing relationship with Shastri.

Rishabh Pant said on Tanmay Bhat's YouTube channel: “It was an amazing relationship. I had a great understanding with Ravi Shastri, as he gave me the freedom I wanted.

I don't like it when someone tells me not to do a specific thing; instead, I prefer someone giving me a better option. I would rather switch to a better option than avoid anything.”

Rishabh Pant recalls how Ravi Shastri’s advice transformed his approach to off-spinners

Reflecting on his early challenges, Pant recalled a period when he consistently struggled against off-spinners while attempting aggressive shots. During this time, Shastri provided him with a game-changing piece of advice.

Shastri, recognizing the need for a new strategy, suggested that Pant, who is expected to play in the first Test against Bangladesh, starting on September 19 in Chennai, should employ the reverse sweep as a way to counter off-spin deliveries.

This tactical adjustment was aimed specifically at improving the Indian wicketkeeper-batter’s performance in Test cricket, offering him a new tool to handle such challenges across the formats.

Pant signed off by saying, “There was a time when I was getting out to off-spinners while playing shots against them. Ravi Bhai was thinking about what he should tell me, and then he came to me and told me that we have to find a way to tackle the off-spinner. He told me that he had found a way and said, ‘You should play reverse sweep against an off-spinner, and this was about Test cricket’.”

Notably, Pant is in great form with the bat in the ongoing Duleep Trophy 2024, where he scored 61 runs off 47 balls in the second inning to help India B beat India A by 76 runs in Bengaluru.