Rishabh Pant, the Indian wicketkeeper-batsman, is known for his aggressive batting style and flamboyant personality, but even he has moments of self-reflection and course correction. Following a disappointing performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia earlier this year, Pant took drastic measures to address his shortcomings, including uninstalling WhatsApp and switching off his phone.
Pant's struggles during the Australian series saw him score only 255 runs in five Tests, averaging a modest 28.33. Known for his attacking approach, he managed just 24 fours and six sixes in the series, which India lost 3-1. The Melbourne Test was particularly difficult for Pant, as he was criticized for playing irresponsible shots. His first-innings dismissal, attempting a risky ramp shot, drew sharp criticism from former Indian captain Sunil Gavaskar, who was commentating at the time. Gavaskar's now-infamous rant of "stupid, stupid, stupid!" went viral on social media, adding to the pressure on Pant.
In March 2025, after the Melbourne Test, Pant realized he needed to make significant changes. To eliminate distractions and focus on his training, he uninstalled WhatsApp and switched off his phone, only turning it on when necessary. This wasn't the first time Pant had imposed strict discipline on himself. Even during the ICC Men's Champions Trophy, where he didn't play a single game, he maintained a rigorous training routine.
India's former strength and conditioning coach, Sohum Desai, revealed the extent of Pant's dedication. "He did the most intense sessions day in and day out. He dragged me into the gym whenever he was free," Desai told the Times of India. "He didn't care about fatigue or work-loaded programmes. All he said was he needed to keep working on himself". Desai also noted that Pant felt guilty even considering taking a day off, highlighting his commitment to improvement.
Pant's hard work and self-discipline seem to have paid off. He made a remarkable comeback in the first Test against England, scoring twin centuries and becoming only the second wicketkeeper in history to achieve this feat in a Test match. His performance in the first Test helped him reach his best-ever ICC ranking, climbing to seventh position. His comeback has been lauded by cricket analysts, with Sanjay Manjrekar praising Pant's ability to thrive in Test cricket, emphasizing the mental fortitude required to score two centuries in a single match.
Pant's story is a testament to the power of self-awareness, discipline, and hard work. Despite facing criticism and setbacks, he took responsibility for his actions and made the necessary changes to improve. His decision to disconnect from social media and focus on his training demonstrates his commitment to his craft and his determination to succeed. Rishabh Pant's journey serves as an inspiration to athletes and individuals alike, proving that even after "stupid, stupid" acts, redemption and success are possible with the right mindset and dedication.
