The Big Stage Really Excites Rishabh Pant: Zaheer Khan

Former Indian bowler Zaheer Khan has shared his thoughts on Rishabh Pant’s approach when batting in series deciders across formats. On Sunday, the 24-year-old delivered another outrageous knock in a must-win game against England in Manchester.

Pant appears to be making it a habit of performing when his team needs him the most.

Be it his amazing knocks against Australia in Sydney and Brisbane, his hundreds against England in Ahmedabad and Edgbaston, or his knock yesterday, he just seems to flourish under pressure.

India’s Depth Is Incomparable to Others At The Moment: Zaheer Khan

Following the third ODI, Zaheer Khan spoke to Cricbuzz regarding Rishabh Pant’s big-match mentality:

“If you look at him (Pant) and how he has gone about playing these impact innings, one thing that stands out is the hunger for success. The big occasions, the big stage really excites him. So it is about contributing when it matters the most and that’s what gets him going. When you are put in that situation where everything matters, that brings out the best in him.”

Zaheer Khan believes that the depth of Indian cricket is unrivalled at the moment. He stated, “The bench strength of this Indian team is immense. Your main bowler is sitting out due to a back spasm, the last moment in a series decider. It’s never easy for any bowler to bowl a spell that Bumrah does upfront.

But that was Siraj’s role and he did it magnificently. There are other bowlers too who are waiting in the wings. In terms of bench strength, India are far ahead of other teams right now.”

Shikhar Dhawan will head a new-look team in the next three-match ODI series against the West Indies, putting India’s squad depth to the test once more.

Also Read: ‘You’re The Most Competitive Bloke I’ve Ever Played Against’: Virat Kohli On Ben Stokes’ Retirement From ODIs