Mohammad Kaif Reveals Rishabh Pant's Mindset On Not Being Chosen For The 2019 World Cup Initially

Delhi capitals assistant coach Mohammad Kaif has opened up on Rishabh Pant’s mindset after not getting the nod initially for the 2019 World Cup. Rishabh Pant was a well-known game in world cricket and a massive one in domestic cricket, who was not opted for in India’s squad for the mega event in England. He made his international debut in 2018.

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Rishabh Pant had a highly productive tour of Australia in 2018-19 after making his Test debut of England in mid-2018. While the youngster was still to display his capability in limited-overs internationals, Pant enjoyed some blistering outings in 2019 IPL, including playing a knock of 78 off 27 deliveries against Mumbai Indians. Yet, the selectors decided for Vijay Shankar to bat at number four.

Mohammad Kaif told Aakash Chopra in his youtube chat show “Aakash Vani” that Pant felt dejected at not getting the call-up for the ten-team tournament in England. Kaif highlighted that the southpaw is quite an emotional person and felt sad immediately. The explosive left-handed batsman joined the Indian squad after an injury to Shikhar Dhawan amid the competition.

“His name was not there, and he felt quite low. He is quite an emotional person. He started feeling bad immediately afterwards that he was not selected,” the Uttar Pradesh-born stated.

The former Indian cricketer made him understand by telling Pant that he is still quite young and that he already is a significant name in world cricket with opportunities yet to come his way.

“We picked up on those things. So, we spoke to him a lot. We told him – ‘you are quite young, at the age of 20-21, a player just starts his career. You have already made a name for yourself. You have already won the matches for your team,” he added.

If Rishabh Pant is used correctly, then he can be an asset: Mohammad Kaif

Kaif continued by saying that the Delhi Capitals management had no doubts on Pant’s capability of being an excellent prospect. He believes that a player must keep doing what he does best, which is to win matches for his side.

“None of us ever had any doubts that he will not be a big player, or he will not perform. We have always maintained that ‘you are a good player, you will get your chance. Just keep doing what you are doing, keep winning matches like you have been doing every year’. We spoke to him on his mental thoughts,” Mohammad Kaif asserted.

The 40-year old conceded that players like Rishabh Pant are very had to come by and if used correctly, Pant will be an asset for India for the coming years.

“But he is a class player, there is no doubt on this. You don’t get such players. If he is used correctly, then he can be an asset. He is quite young as well, when he plays for two-three years more, he will become an even better player,” he added.

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