He's the hero of the country: Pant lauds Dhoni
What's the story
Rishabh Pant gained impetus in the recently concluded first Test against Australia in Adelaide. The young wicket-keeper batsman scripted a new record and played a part helping India win the first Test and take a 1-0 lead in the four-match series. And Pant, who is touted as the next big keeper in the Indian cricket team, heaped praise on legend MS Dhoni.
Brilliant
Pant takes 11 catches in Adelaide Test
Rishabh Pant, who accounted for six catches in the first innings, took another five in the second. He now has the most catches by an Indian keepers in a Test match (11). He also equalled AB de Villiers and Jack Russell to become only the third ever keeper to take 11 catches in a Test match. Dhoni's record is 8 catches in a Test.
Praise
Pant considers Dhoni as a hero
Pant said he's learned a lot from Dhoni, who has been India's most successful wicket-keeper across formats. Post India's win in Adelaide, Pant called MS Dhoni a hero. "He's the hero of the country. I've learned a lot from him as a person and as a cricketer as well." Dhoni and Pant played for India in the ODI series against West Indies last month.
Quote
'Whenever he's around, I feel more confident'
"Whenever he's around, I feel more confident as a person. If I've got any problems I can share it with him and get a solution right away. As a wicket-keeper and a player (he's taught me) to be patient in pressure situations", said Pant.
Keeping
Record: Pant overcame MS in Adelaide
Pant surpassed former Indian skipper Dhoni to account for the most number of dismissals by an Indian in Australia in a single Test innings. Pant took six catches in the first innings to script this special record so early in his career. MS had accounted for 5 dismissals on two occasions earlier in 2008 and 2014 respectively. Now he sees his record broken.