Indian wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant has said that his ability to keep evolving with time is the primary reason behind his continued improvement as an international cricketer over the last 15-16 months.
Pant was adjudged 'Player of the Series' for his superb contributions with both bat as well as behind the stumps in the just-concluded two-match rubber against Sri Lanka.
The swashbuckling cricketer from Delhi was at his fearsome best throughout the series, hammering 185 runs in three innings at an average of 61.67 and a barely believable strike rate of 120.13.
This includes a breathtaking 97-ball 96 in the first Test in Mohali and a record-shattering 30-ball 50 in Bengaluru, where he broke Kapil Dev's 40-year-old record of scoring the fastest half-century for India in the longest format of the game.
Apart from his batting, Pant was equally sensational behind the stumps against the spinners on surfaces tailor-made for them.
Pant has endured immense scrutiny over his shot-selection and, especially his keeping skills in the past.
So, what has changed now?
According to the Delhi Capitals skipper, it's his relentless desire to keep improving. The urge to only focus on the next delivery without looking too much into the future has contributed to his success.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Pant said, “I think both (batting and keeping), you need to keep evolving, I’ve made mistakes in the past and want to keep improving. It’s not in my mindset, the wicket was difficult to play, so I thought I will look for quick runs."
The 24-year old added, "I’ll do whatever the team management wants me to do (on batting at number five). I think it’s more about confidence; previously, I used to think too much, now I’m only focusing on every ball (referring to his improved keeping skills).”
India wrapped up their fifteenth consecutive Test series win on the third evening as they bowled Sri Lanka out for 208, despite a sensational hundred from Dimuth Karunaratne.
Jasprit Bumrah finished with figures of 3/23, while Ravichandran Ashwin snared four wickets at the cost of 55 runs.