Ahead of the forthcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant talked candidly about using unconventional shots. With the Lucknow Super Giants paying an incredible ₹27 crore for his services, Pant became the most expensive player in IPL history.
Speaking on JioHotstar, Pant disclosed that he had previously seen recordings of players, including former Indian captain MS Dhoni, making similar shots. Pant thought that as cricket has changed in the modern era, players have adjusted to new field placements.
He did, however, emphasize that a player’s final strategy is determined by how he interprets the game.
“Earlier, quite a few players played these shots. I have seen old videos of Mahi bhai (MS Dhoni), and he, too, has played the lap shot. But percentage-wise, I think they used to do it less. The game is changing now—field placements are different, and players are adapting. Some might feel it’s necessary for their game, while others may not. At the end of the day, how you read the game determines how you play it.”
Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant also discussed why his bat occasionally slips out of his grasp. He claimed that it occurs when he tries to utilize his bottom hand for support by holding it lightly.
Pant explained that his strategy and mentality are to try to locate a boundary, even though it seems like he is throwing his bat.
“When I take that chance and overreach, I need to do something to maintain balance. At times, it may look like I’m throwing the bat, but in reality, I’m just trying to make the most of that delivery. If my bat slips, if it’s not in my hand, or even if it hits my head—my only focus at that moment is finding the boundary. That’s my thought process.”
Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant also discussed his instructor Tarak Sinha’s opinions regarding his batting style and stroke selection. He said that his coach would become irate and insist that he practice his defense. The Delhi cricket player went on to say that he would play the big shots while his coach wasn’t around and defend the ball while he was.
“When I joined Tarak Sir, he used to get really angry. He had one rule—‘You must learn defense first. If you master defense, you’ll master everything else.’ He believed I already knew how to hit big shots, so he wanted me to learn how to defend. I used to keep an eye on him while batting. If he was watching, I’d play proper defense, playing drives and textbook shots. But the moment I saw him looking away, I would go back to playing my natural attacking game.”
Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant reveals he used to do gymnastics as a kid
When questioned about his flexibility and acrobatic flair, Rishabh Pant disclosed that he used to participate in gymnastics as a child.
“I used to do gymnastics as a kid. My gymnastics coach always told me that it would come in handy in life.”
Rishabh Pant
The batsman-wicketkeeper also talked about much his conditioning has improved and how the Indian team trainer valued his gymnastics coach.
“Basu Sir, our Indian team trainer, once told me in 2018-19, ‘Thank you to your gymnastics coach because what he taught you in childhood is still benefiting you today.’ I kept practicing hand springs, and it has played a huge role in my fitness for sure.”
Rishabh Pant
Currently leading Lucknow in the forthcoming IPL season, Rishabh Pant was a member of the Indian squad that won the 2025 Champions Trophy in the United Arab Emirates.
