India vs Australia | Don't listen to criticism, I only focus on my process, reveals Rishabh Pant

India have started 2019 on a high, having beaten world-class opponents in the form of Australia and New Zealand in the last couple of months. A number of the younger members in the Indian squad were given ample playing time on the two tours as players like Rishabh Pant, Vijay Shankar, Krunal Pandya and Khaleel Ahmed found a spot in the playing XI on multiple occasions.

One of the standout performers in the last couple of months has been Delhi-boy Rishabh Pant who grabbed the opportunity offered to him with both hands, especially in the historic Test series win against Australia where he was India’s second highest run-getter. In a recent interview with TOI, the 21-year old from Rourkee gave a more detailed insight into his thought process that has helped him thrive across all three formats in the last year or so.

"Formats make all the difference. If you are playing days cricket and get out trying to hit a six, everybody knows and says it is irresponsible. But when it comes off, nobody says anything. The percentage is what matters. If you are getting out in ten matches but are getting the results in nine of them, that is important. If my percentage of results is high, I only focus on my process. And if something is working for me, it might not work for someone else. Similarly if something is working for someone else, it might not always help me.

"Right now in this Indian team, we only play to win. Whatever the match, whatever the situation, every player, from No. 1 to 11, only thinks about how he can win the match for India. That is the most important thing for us. That we have to win it for India," Pant was quoted as saying by TOI.

Pant, who is part of the Delhi Capitals franchise, has scored 696 runs in nine Test matches, 229 runs in 13 T20I’s and 41 runs from three ODI games in international cricket thus far. He is also included in the limited-overs squad to face off against Australia in the coming weeks on home soil. The former U-19 star added that domestic cricket in India helped prepare him for the international stage, having played for Delhi cricket team in his early days where he caught the eye of selectors.

"Domestic cricket has these same bowlers. Just that the ball moves a lot more in England. But that's okay, there's always a first time. But I can say that as a wicketkeeper, when I played India A matches and then against the Lions, I had a fair idea of what to expect. Also, these matches were played with the Dukes ball. And it is India A bowlers who go and bowl in Tests in the future. Unless you are a good bowler, you won't be in the India A side," Pant added.

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