The (Un)Real Interview: Rishabh Pant talks about MS Dhoni advice after 4th ODI

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The (Un)Real Interview: We talked with Rishabh Pant as he reflects on his performances and reveals the advice MS Dhoni gave to him.

Australia defeated India in the fourth ODI of the ongoing series between the two sides. Despite scoring 358 in the first innings, India failed to defend the target as Ashton Turner’s fiery innings of 84 off 43 balls sealed the game for Australia.

However, India were sloppy on the field throughout the game and wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant missed significant opportunities in the later stages of the game.

On multiple instances, the crowd chanted Dhoni’s name after Rishabh Pant’s mistakes behind the wicket.

We sat with Rishabh Pant to talk about yesterday’s performances, where he revealed Dhoni’s advice, and discussed some interesting aspects about his IPL side, Delhi Capitals.

Hi, Rishabh. How are you?

I had a full-day training session with our wicket-keeping coach after yesterday’s howlers.

How did it go?

It went like my stumping attempts in the game.

Oh, it wasn’t good, you mean.

No. I missed it.

Woah. You might be facing punishment now?

Well, no. You see, the good part is I’ll miss the punishment as well. Haha.

It’s not really funny, though.

It’s not my fault, is it? In Australia, my competition was Tim Paine. Within a month, I’m competing with Mahi Bhai. Even he was sympathetic towards me.

Really? What did Dhoni say?

He rang me up last night. Mahi bhai was really sweet. He said, “Do you need help?” I said, “Of course!.” Then he replied, “Bank PO’s forms are out.”

And he burst into laughter. But yeah, he was just joking.

So what did Dhoni tell you?

He told me to keep calm and stop chattering all the time. “This is not an IPL ad,” he said.

Wise words..

Yeah. Talking about IPL, Delhi Capitals is very happy.

What? Why are they happy with your mistakes?

You know, since the new owners came, there had been concerns that Delhi Capitals would improve this season. But our owners breathed a huge sigh of relief after watching my performance.

I don’t understand…

They’re happy that I proudly wear the Daredevils identity with the Indian team as well. Now they’re assured we will do our best to finish 8th. The wooden spoon shall remain ours and ours alone!

That’s quite.. interesting.

Isn’t it? Why else do you think Maxwell and Shankar started performing again?

But Shikhar Dhawan scored a century..

And as a punishment, he is dropped from the first five games. We need someone who can give a strong start, like Gauti bhai last season.

Wow. Anyway, coming back to your performance – You play at your home ground now..

Virat bhaiya warned me after the 4th ODI that he will not tolerate another mistake. So I guess I’ll have to perform better now and go to Ganga to wash my sins before donning the Delhi Capitals jersey.