Former Australian wicketkeeper-batsman Brad Haddin has urged India’s Rishabh Pant to create his own identity.
Pant was out of favour for the New Zealand ODIs and garnered only 60 runs in his four outings against the same opposition in the whites.
After scoring tons in England and Australia, Pant has not been able to deliver with the bat, squandering opportunities provided by the management.
To make the situation worse, Pant has to walk behind the footprints of legendary wicketkeeper-batsman, MS Dhoni. Additionally, his keeping qualities are not at par compared to Wriddhiman Saha and makeshift KL Rahul.
“Rishabh Pant should be him. That’s how he’s going to create his identity. He’s got to be himself,” Haddin advised the young wicketkeeper, according to Sportstar.
Pant was unfortunate to receive a blow on his head while playing a short delivery during Australia’s ODI tour to India earlier this year. Rahul has been keeping wickets ever since the management opted to play with an extra batsman in Manish Pandey.
“Expectation comes with anyone at this level and that’s one of the things you’ve got to deal with. But the most important thing is to create your own identity of what you want to be seen as,” continued Haddin.
Haddin, who recently featured for Australia Legends in the Road Safety Series, was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The aggressive pinch-hitter represented Australia in 226 internationals, taking over from Adam Gilchrist and himself had big boots to fill in the Aussie side.
“You bring your own style to the team. When I first got my opportunity to play Test cricket, I couldn’t try to be an Adam Gilchrist or Ian Healy. I had to bring my own unique style to the game. One of the challenges here is not trying to be someone you’re not and just be true to yourself,” the 42-year old concluded.
