Rishabh Pant Discusses His Unique Self-Talk Habit While Batting

Rishabh Pant's On-Field Self-Talk Explained

Rishabh Pant, India's Test vice-captain, has shed light on his distinctive habit of conversing with himself during batting, a behavior that has caught the attention of fans and commentators alike throughout the ongoing Test series against England. In a media interaction prior to the third Test at Lord's, Pant was asked whether this self-dialogue was a new addition to his game or simply more noticeable due to the enhanced sensitivity of the stump microphone. He clarified that this practice has been a long-standing part of his routine since childhood, helping him maintain focus and assess his performance in real time.

"As a batsman, I believe in continuously talking to myself. I have always engaged in this habit, but it has become more apparent because the stump mic picks it up. I've been doing this since I was a kid," Pant stated.

He credited his late coach, Tarak Sinha, for instilling this technique in him, emphasizing its importance in his game.

As India heads into the Lord's Test following a commanding 336-run win at Edgbaston, Pant also addressed the challenge posed by England's Jofra Archer, who is returning to Test cricket after a lengthy injury absence. While acknowledging Archer's talent and speed, Pant affirmed that his focus remains unchanged, concentrating on fulfilling the team's requirements.

Additionally, he discussed the team's selection strategy for the match, indicating that the final lineup would be determined based on the pitch conditions and the necessary balance for the game.