Rishabh Pant's journey to becoming a celebrated cricketer is paved with resilience, self-belief, and a dash of audacity, evident even in his early years. A telling anecdote from his time as an 18-year-old, struggling to break into the Delhi Ranji Trophy squad, encapsulates this spirit.
In 2015, Ajay Jadeja, then the coach of Delhi, was in a fix. The selectors and captain were at odds over team selection, and Pant, despite his talent, didn't make the cut for the Ranji Trophy squad at the start of the season. Jadeja, recognizing Pant's potential, still advised him to attend the practice sessions. His reasoning was simple: even if not selected now, a future opportunity might arise.
However, Pant's response was far from what Jadeja expected. With a confidence that belied his age and circumstances, Pant simply said, "Rehne Do, Jab Zaroorat Padegi, Bula Lenge" ("Let it be, they'll call me when they need me"). This reply, as Jadeja later revealed, showcased the young cricketer's unwavering self-assurance and belief in his abilities.
This incident highlights a crucial aspect of Pant's character: an unshakeable faith in his own talent. It wasn't arrogance, but a deep-seated conviction that he possessed the skills to make a difference and that his opportunity would eventually come. This confidence would prove vital in navigating the challenges and setbacks that lay ahead.
Born in Roorkee, Uttarakhand, Pant's journey began with early morning drives with his mother to Delhi to train under coach Tarak Sinha at the Sonnet Cricket Academy. Often, they lacked proper accommodation and stayed at a Gurudwara. These early struggles instilled in him a fighting spirit. He made his first-class debut in 2015 and quickly rose through the ranks, smashing records in the Ranji Trophy, including a triple century and the fastest century in the tournament's history.
Despite these domestic exploits, early international opportunities weren't always smooth sailing. Pant faced immense pressure, particularly with comparisons to MS Dhoni. He admitted to struggling with the weight of expectations, even feeling suffocated by the constant comparisons. There were times he missed stumpings, and the crowd would start chanting "Dhoni, Dhoni," adding to the burden.
His career wasn't without its low points. After the 2019 World Cup, where he didn't perform to expectations, he faced criticism and was even dropped from the team. However, Pant used this as an opportunity to refocus, work on his game, and come back stronger. He acknowledges that there is always scope for improvement and no limit to how much one can grow.
Pant's resilience was again tested severely in December 2022, when he was involved in a near-fatal car accident. He was bedridden for a month, battling physical and mental challenges. There were moments of despair, but with the unwavering support of his mother and his own determination, he began the long road to recovery.
Despite the setbacks, Pant's career is filled with remarkable achievements. He holds records such as the most catches in a Test match for India and is known for his aggressive, unconventional batting style. He has played match-winning innings in challenging conditions, cementing his place as a key player for the Indian team. In June 2025, he became the first Asian wicket-keeper batter to score centuries in both innings of a Test match in England.
Rishabh Pant's story is one of talent, hard work, and unwavering self-belief. His journey, marked by both triumphs and tribulations, serves as an inspiration, demonstrating the power of resilience and the importance of believing in oneself, even when faced with adversity. His early response to non-selection perfectly encapsulates the spirit that has defined his career: a confident assertion that when the moment arrives, he will be ready.
