Virat Kohli used MS Dhoni’s advice to support Rishabh Pant.© AFP
Wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant was heavily criticized for his second-inning shot selection by India in the second Test game against South Africa in Johannesburg. The visitors lost the Test match by seven wickets when South Africa tied the series of three games. Pant was sacked for a duck with three balls in the second inning while trying to get out on the field and hit Kagiso Rabada across the field. In the first innings, he was able to collect only 17 runs off 43 balls. Ahead of the final game of the three-game series, red ball captain Virat Kohli gave his support to the 24-year-old and also revealed advice from former skipper MS Dhoni.
Kohli said he has already spoken to Pant during practice and that the India Test captain believes the reckless batter would improve on his shortcomings.
“During training, we had a chat with Rishabh. A batter knows if he’s played the right shot, depending on the situation. As long as an individual takes that responsibility (it should be good). I think that’s how progress happens and “Everyone has made mistakes in their careers and got out in important situations. Sometimes because of our fault and sometimes because of pressure. Sometimes because of the bowler’s skill,” he said during a virtual press conference on Monday.
“It’s important to know what your mindset was at the time. What decision did you make and where was your mistake. I think we will only improve after we accept our mistake and make sure it is not repeated again “, he said. further added.
Kohli shared a lesson learned from former team-mate Dhoni, saying that as long as there is a “7-8 months” gap between two mistakes, a player can grow in international cricket.
“At the beginning MS Dhoni told me that there should be a gap of at least 7-8 months between two mistakes. Then only your career in international cricket grows. So that has always remained in my system, I will not repeat that my mistakes over and over again. That happens when you think about your mistakes,” he said.
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“That’s something Rishabh does alone and I know that. He will definitely continue to improve in the future. He will make sure he will be there for the team in important situations and deliver a good performance and also learn from his mistakes .”
With the score at 1-1, the third test match between India and South Africa is scheduled for January 11 in Cape Town.
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