Pant working hard on his 'keeping skills

Pant working hard on his 'keeping skills

Rishabh Pant has made waves this year scoring a triple ton and a 48-ball century in the ongoing Ranji Trophy. However, that was not enough for the 19-year-old, who is highest run-getter so far in Ranji with 874 from 6 games, to book a berth in the national side when Wriddhiman Saha got injured during the second Test against England. Pant, though, isn't too perturbed and is concentrating on Delhi's next assignment - an encounter against Vidarbha at the SSN College Grounds in Chennai which commences from Tuesday (November 29).

"I was batting (in a game) when the squad was announced. I came to know afterwards that my name was discussed. It (not getting picked) is a part and parcel of the game," he said. "At the moment, I am not thinking of playing international cricket, my thoughts are firmly on performing well in the Ranji Trophy. When I get picked for the national side, then I will think about it."

The left-hander understands that along with the runs he scores, his keeping skills too would be closely monitored by the selectors. "I am working hard on my keeping skills and not just thinking of improving myself with the bat. I look to back myself all the time and that's something seniors such as Shikhar Dhawan and Gautam Gambhir have always emphasised on. More than the manner in which you score runs, it all boils down to consistency," mentioned Pant.

Pant's no-nonsense approach while facing questions from the media mirrors the route he takes while wielding his willow as well. Interestingly, not only does Pant has the highest number of runs, his strike-rate of 114.09 has made everyone take notice. It's no surprise that Virender Sehwag and Adam Gilchrist have been among his idols.