India's one-off Test against Afghanistan starts on Saturday (June 6) and Rishabh Pant is set for a milestone appearance.
With his 50th Test around the corner,
Rishabh Pant is turning up for India's preparations against Afghanistan with a noticeably calmer and more responsible mindset.
This shift comes after the head coach expressed strong disappointment over Pant's impulsive shot-making in the recent Tests against South Africa in Guwahati.
His dismissals in both innings had become a talking point, with the team wanting more maturity from one of its experienced players. In the nets, Pant was seen repeatedly playing copybook defensive shots against the spinners, solid front-foot and back-foot defences - while the coach observed closely from behind the nets.
Did Gautam Gambhir give Rishabh Pant a lecture on Conduct after IPL Fiasco?
Ahead of the Test match, India's assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate confirmed Pant's conversation with Gautam Gambhir, as the India head coach had a talk with the flamboyant player about 'conduct as a player'.
"I think he's committed to playing a good role model and senior player. I actually heard him and Gauti having a chat around that yesterday. 'How you want to conduct yourself as a senior player', expanding to the communications or so, how you're going to play," Ten Doeschate said.
A conduct lecture for Pant was inevitable after his IPL fiasco for Lucknow Super Giants. After a 10th-place finish and a poor display throughout the campaign, Pant was caught saying the F word at a post-match chat, which was captured live on air. Gautam Gambhir, who carries himself professionally, would not have tolerated that, and it may be the reason for him to give Pant a speech for his off-field conduct.
But the Indian team seems a far better place for Pant at the moment. Importantly, he continues to remain in a positive frame of mind off the field. Even after being removed from the vice-captaincy, he is still one of the senior-most members in this squad, next only to KL Rahul. The team management insists there is no dip in his energy or influence in the dressing room.
"He's been in great spirits again. He's always one of those guys who's happy and cheerful and sort of drives the spirit in the team and we've got no complaints from him. You wouldn't notice that his role in the leadership structure has changed, so no concerns about Rishabh, and I can't wait to see him play again," Doeschate concluded.
