IND vs ENG: The Rollercoaster Journey of Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant has undergone a remarkable transformation in his cricketing career over the last few months, demonstrating resilience and determination after facing a challenging season. In March 2025, Pant took the bold step of uninstalling WhatsApp and switching off his phone to declutter his mind. His recent performances in the Headingley Test, where he celebrated a century with a front-flip, signify a triumphant return to form after a difficult period. With three consecutive centuries in his last three innings, Pant’s resurgence is a story of hard work and mental fortitude.
## A Journey Through Adversity
For Rishabh Pant, the past few months have been a rollercoaster ride. Following a dismal run in the IPL and losing his spot in the ODI XI, Pant faced intense scrutiny and criticism. His childhood coach, Devender Sharma, recalls the moment Pant realized he needed to refocus after a disappointing dismissal during the MCG Test. This marked the beginning of a significant turnaround in his approach to the game.
In the subsequent Test matches, Pant showcased his ability to adapt. He demonstrated resilience by scoring 40 runs on a challenging Sydney pitch and later unleashed his aggressive batting style with a blistering 61 off just 33 balls. Despite his struggles, Pant’s determination to improve never wavered. He pushed himself through rigorous training sessions, often neglecting his own fatigue, as he sought to regain his place among the top players in the team.
## Training and Transformation
Pant’s commitment to his craft was evident during his training regime. He engaged in extremely intense practice sessions, even developing blisters on his palms from the relentless work in the nets. Soham Desai, Team India’s former strength and conditioning coach, noted that Pant was relentless in his pursuit of improvement. During a particularly taxing period, Pant approached Desai with a sense of guilt, asking for a day off, which was a clear indication of his heavy training burden.
Despite his efforts, results were initially elusive. However, a pivotal conversation with his coach Devender Sharma helped Pant refocus on the fundamentals of his batting technique. Sharma pointed out that while Pant’s aggressive style was commendable, he needed to strengthen his defensive play. This advice proved invaluable, leading to a renewed sense of confidence in his batting.
## Returning to Form
The turning point for Pant came just before a break in the IPL, prompting him to reach out to Sharma for guidance. Their lengthy discussion centered on rediscovering his natural batting instincts while maintaining a solid technique. Following their talk, Pant felt reinvigorated, evident in his outstanding performance against Kagiso Rabada, where he exhibited both power and precision.
In the Headingley Test, he showcased the maturity and adaptability that have defined his career. After a misjudged ramp shot, he was heard reminding himself of the importance of playing within his strengths. This self-awareness indicates a significant evolution in his game, highlighting his commitment to consistent performance.
Pant’s journey from uncertainty to becoming India’s most reliable Test batter is a testament to his resilience. With his newfound confidence and skillset, he is poised to play a crucial role for Team India, especially during challenging tours like the one in England. As he continues to refine his game, cricket fans will be eager to see how he maintains his upward trajectory in the coming matches.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Sports, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.
