Rishabh Pant's Habit Of Self-Coaching Goes Viral During Test Matches

Team India's Test vice-captain Rishabh Pant always remains in the headlines for one or the other reason; this time he made it to the news for his habits in the ongoing five-match Test series against England. His self-talk on the stump mic has often been heard, which shows how he is coaching and motivating himself on the field.

During the press conference before the third Test at Lord's, a reporter asked him,

"Your voice is coming in louder on the stump mic—have you changed the way you speak, or has the mic become more sensitive?" Pant answered this openly and said that talking to himself on the field has been his habit since childhood.

Pant said that his coach Tarak Sinha had inspired him to develop this habit from childhood only. He used to say,

'Keep talking, keep telling your mistakes, and try to improve yourself.' Pant has been doing this since then, and this practice gives him confidence.

This self-talk was recorded on the stump mic during his batting in Leeds and Birmingham. In the second innings of the Birmingham Test, Pant was heard saying to himself:

“Jabardast aise try kar rahe hain… Tez ball hai, seedha lagao.”

It was a voice of self-correction, advising himself to stay calm and not take too many risks.

Pant’s batting has also performed brilliantly in this series. With two centuries and a half-century, he has scored 342 runs so far, which takes him to third place in the run chart—behind captain Shubman Gill (585) and England’s Harry Brook (356).

When asked how he sees the return of a fast bowler like Jofra Archer, Pant said that he likes the challenge. He will try to give 200% on the field, not because of any particular player—but it will be a good contest between both the teams.

Regarding team selection, he clearly said that the final decision will depend on the condition of the pitch. It will be selected after seeing whether the team will have three spinners or four—whichever strategy seems best.

If we look at the conversation briefly, Rishabh Pant's self-talk is not due to any coincidence or drama but is a habit of strategy and self-inquiry. Inspired by the teachings of Tarak Sinha, Pant gives himself tips like a coach on the field, remains alert, and bats after thinking.

This style of his is clearly heard from the stump mic and has also gone viral many times. But this method gives him the mindset of management, focus, and self-improvement.

In this series, Pant has shown confidence and mental balance in front of England's bowling lineup very smartly. When asked about facing Jofra Archer or the difficulties of the pitch, Pant said that staying strong from within and talking to himself makes him better.