England vs India 2018: Never Told Rishabh Pant to Curb His Natural Instincts - KP Bhaskar

India’s Rishabh Pant began his Test career with a six off Adil Rashid against England at Trent Bridge, Nottingham, and his coach KP Bhaskar was left pleased.

Even the bowler was bemused to see the sheer audacity shown by the 21-year-old. Rishabh Pant had proved his talent in the IPL before and was cited as a limited-overs material. However, during his 51-ball stay in his debut game, Pant looked more assured than many top order batsmen in the series.

He left the ball well outside the off stump and curbed his instincts to perfection. However, he fell prey to the same trap. Stuart Broad bowled a full-length delivery outside the off stump, and Pant ended up chopping it on to his stumps.

KP Bhaskar, Pant’s childhood coach, had witnessed the young sensation from close quarters during his time with the Delhi team. He feels Pant is a fearless cricketer and playing aggressively is his natural game, and KP has never curbed him from backing his instincts.

“He is the kind of character who has complete belief in what he is doing. If the first ball is there to be hit, he will hit it,” Bhaskar, who has coached Delhi for the past two seasons was quoted as saying by the Times of India.

Rishabh Pant will have to adapt in Tests, says KP Bhaskar

“Pant will have to adapt in Tests. However, we have never curbed his natural instincts in Delhi. He has got to be natural. That’s the only way he knows. I’m sure he will succeed,” he further added.

Despite Pant’s impressive debut, many had questioned that whether Pant’s technique is suited for the red-ball format. However, KP Bhaskar feels it all about getting the confidence. Once Pant feels confident, things will start falling into place.

“It’s a question of getting the confidence. It depends on whether you are able to take the initial pressure that comes with making your Test debut. He has got talent and age on his side. India are looking for a wicket-keeper who can bat I am sure he can cement his place in the side provided he is given enough opportunities,” added Bhaskar who has applied for Delhi’s coaching job again.

KP Bhaskar feels Rishabh Pant is ready material and not much coaching needs to be given.

Bhaskar feels not a lot of coaching needs to be done with Pant 

“There’s not a lot of coaching to be done with him. He has all the shots in his repertoire. I have just advised him in the past that he needs to be more consistent with his shot selection. Even when he goes in at 60/5, I have never told him to take his time and see out a particular spell or session. There is no point in telling that to a stroke player. It doesn’t work out. With more experience and exposure at the highest level, he will learn all that,” he said.