Target would be to play for India: Rishabh Pant

18-year-old Rishabh Pant put up a stellar performance in the recently concluded U19 World Cup. Despite losing the final to the West Indies in perhaps the most disappointing manner, Pant and several of his teammates have been tipped to don the senior shirt in the years to come.

“After the match, Rahul sir told us it is a lesson. You guys have to learn from it. But I am proud of what you all have achieved,” Pant told IANS in an interview.

“He also told me ‘You are my champion’. It does not matter to me if we win or lose, for me it is playing till the end.”

The Indians compiled 145 in their first innings with wickets falling at regular intervals. In spite of picking up 5 wickets while the Windies were on 77, the Indians failed to exert the pressure on the opposition.

“It was just a bad day for us. Everything we did went wrong. Till then we had been playing good cricket. But on that day we lost quick wickets upfront. They (West Indies) were also bowling in very good areas, so it was difficult to score runs.” Pant said.

Pant also reassured that he wasn’t trying to be aggressive as he contributed to a runout and a stumping.

“No, I wasn’t trying to be over aggressive, was just trying to play normal cricket. I was trying to play on the merit of the ball,” he said.

The 18-year-old also has the fastest U19 fifty in his name following a 24 ball 78 against Nepal in the group stages. Rishabh Pant was also picked up in the IPL auction by the Delhi Daredevils and also stated his love for Virender Sehwag’s batting.

“I have always liked Viru bhaiya’s batting. I wanted to open with him someday but now he is playing for Haryana so that won’t happen. I can’t compare myself with him, he is a legend. But I have heard people do it and I like it when somebody tells me I play fearless cricket like he used to,” Pant said.

Speaking about teammate Sarfaraz Ahmed, Pant said,” “He is a very good player, a useful cricketer. He batted very well throughout. A player like him gives boost to a team.”

Rishabh Pant has now set his sights on breaking into the Indian senior side.

“Yes, target would be to play for India (senior team). But I have to keep on performing well to get there. I have the opportunity now to show my skills in the IPL (Indian Premier League) and domestic cricket, but the rest will depend on the selectors, the coaches. But if I get there, I would want to there,” he said.

“It is a good platform for us youngsters. Also, there is money in it. So I am looking forward to it. Hope I can live up to expectations. I am pushing myself hard everyday at training so that I am ready for it,” he concluded.

He also featured in the best XI of the U19 World Cup 2016 – Best XI of the ICC U19 World Cup 2016