ICC World Cup 2019 | I worked harder when I was not selected, reveals Rishabh Pant

When the swashbuckling Rishabh Pant was not included in the 15-man squad for the World Cup, it was a choice that split opinions of fans and pundits alike. But unlike the ones that felt the youngster was hard done by, Pant himself did not take the news negatively. In conversation with teammate Yuzvendra Chahal, in a video posted by the BCCI, Pant says he took the snub in a positive manner. 

“When I didn’t get selected, I thought maybe I didn’t do something right, so I became more positive and focussed on how to improve myself. Then I did well in IPL. Then I kept practising,” Pant said in ‘Chahal TV’. 

However, Pant has now received a call from the Indian squad for the World Cup. Unfortunately for India, it comes at the cost of breaking up the in-form opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan. Dhawan broke his thumb on his way to a match-winning hundred against Australia and the BCCI confirmed earlier this week that he would not recover in time. Pant was named his replacement for the rest of the tournament. 

“When I came to know that I have been called to England as a back-up, my mother was with me. So I told her, she went to the temple and paid her offerings,” Pant said. 

According to the youngster, there is only one ultimate goal - to win for the country. 

“It is one dream for all to make India win. As a cricketer, I always wanted to play a World Cup and perform there and now that I have got this opportunity, I am feeling very happy,” Pant concluded.