IND vs SL 2022: I have made mistakes in the past and I want to keep improving – Rishabh Pant

India’s wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant admitted that he has made his mistakes in the past, which has helped him evolve his game.

Pant stated he wants to keep improving at the top level and continue the good show for the national team. The wicket-keeper batter has taken giant strides since making his debut and he has delivered the goods both as a batter and as well as a keeper.

Pant is still young in his Test career and he has already played some brilliant match-winning knocks, especially in the tough overseas conditions. The attacking batter was at his best in the series against Sri Lanka as he scored 185 runs in two Test matches at an average of 61.67. Furthermore, Pant was really impressive behind the stumps and kept brilliantly against the spinners on a tough Bengaluru pitch, which had a lot of spin and variable bounce.

Pant scored 39 runs in the first innings of the second Test match and then played a blistering knock of 50 runs in the second dig. In fact, he completed his fifty off just 28 balls and thus became the quickest Indian batter to the personal milestone, beating former captain Kapil Dev’s record of 30 balls. Ergo, Pant received the Player of the series award.

Rishabh Pant said in the post-match presentation, “I think both (batting and keeping), you need to keep evolving, I’ve made mistakes in the past and want to keep improving. It’s not in my mindset, the wicket was difficult to play, so I thought I will look for quick runs. I’ll do whatever the team management want me to do (on batting at number five). I think it’s more about confidence, previously, I used to think too much, now I’m only focusing on every ball (referring to his improved keeping skills).”

On the other hand, Shreyas Iyer played two fine knocks in the second Test match. Iyer scored 92 runs in the first essay when the pitch was at its worst. Furthermore, he scored another fine knock of 67 runs in the second dig. Thus, he was awarded the Player of the Match award.

Iyer said after the game, “I think both (batting and keeping), you need to keep evolving, I’ve made mistakes in the past and want to keep improving. It’s not in my mindset, the wicket was difficult to play, so I thought I will look for quick runs. I’ll do whatever the team management want me to do (on batting at number five). I think it’s more about confidence, previously, I used to think too much, now I’m only focusing on every ball (referring to his improved keeping skills).”

Pant will now lead Delhi Capitals in the IPL whereas Shreyas Iyer will captain Kolkata Knight Riders.