MS Dhoni: Pant explains how Dhoni’s advice aided him to score 128* vs SRH

Pant explains how Dhoni’s advice aided him: The Capitals’s wicket-keeper batsman disclosed an advice received from Super Kings’s captain.

Delhi Capitals wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant believes that several changes made to the squad ahead of IPL 2019 were necessary. The southpaw laid emphasis on the franchise not getting desired results as a primary reason behind making the changes.

“Some of the changes were necessary, I feel. Change is always good if you are not getting the desired results after a particular time. At least you give yourself a chance to get a favourable result.

“The name changed [from Daredevils to Capitals], players have changed, support staff has changed. So, I feel this could be an impactful season for us,” Pant was quoted as saying in an interview uploaded on the official Twitter handle of Delhi Capitals.

During the auction ahead of this season, Capitals bought experienced campaigners in opening batsman Shikhar Dhawan and fast bowler Shikhar Dhawan. Other than the experience, them also being from Delhi is most likely to come good for the Capitals.

Pant relieved with Dhawan and Sharma’s inclusion

Being asked about the same, Pant felt that it was a relief to acquire the services of both Dhawan and Sharma. Furthermore, he also opened up on them knowing the conditions well likely to help in the performance.

“It will be a big relief to have both Shikhi bhaiya [Shikhar Dhawan] and Ishant [Sharma] bhaiya. Both of them have played for a long time. The experience will obviously help. Both of them are from Delhi. Any local player knows the conditions all too well. That definitely helps him in the performance,” Pant said.

Delhi have failed to reach the knockout stage of the tournament since 2012. Out of these six seasons, they finished at the bottom of the points table on three occasions. Despite their dismal run of late, the 21-year old cricketer was optimistic about IPL 2019. “Whenever the season starts, we believe that we have 100% chance to win. This time also, we will be going with the same mentality,” Pant further said.

“I keep talking to Mahi bhai about batting…”

During the 42nd match of IPL 2018 against Sunrisers Hyderabad at Delhi, Pant had scored his maiden IPL hundred and career-best T20 score. Coming in to bat at 21-2 in the fifth over, Pant ended up scoring 128* (63) with the help of 15 fours and seven sixes as Delhi scored 187-5 in their allotted quota of 20 overs.

Being asked about what went through his mind during that innings, Pant unveiled how a suggestion which he received from Chennai Super Kings captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni came good for him that night.

“One thing I had in my mind was, you always have more time to play yourself in than you think you do. I keep talking to Mahi bhai about batting. He always says that even though you can take on the bowlers from the start, you always have extra time. And you realize that once you get out.

“In that game, the wicket was turning and stopping a bit. So, I was giving myself a bit of time. I took around 38 to 40 [37] balls for my half-century and I got to my hundred in the next 30 [19] balls. Also, I was giving myself time because wickets were falling at the other end. A partnership was important. As you take the game deep, you give yourself more of a chance to attack,” Pant concluded.

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