More’s advice after England helped Pant shine in Australia
NEWDELHI: A tweak in hand positioning and his posture helped Rishabh Pant iron out keeping flaws that were pointed out in his Test debut in England last year and the youngster credits former stumper Kiran More for his help.
There was criticism of Pant’s technique in seaming English conditions last year, but Pant put up an improved show to help India win their first Test series in Australia. In England, where the Dukes ball seamed a lot, many byes were marked against Pant’s name. However, things changed in Australia, where he took 20 catches, including a recordequalling 11 in the first Test.
“Keeping in England was an altogether different experience. After that, I worked with Kiran sir at the NCA on a few specific areas. It included hand-positioning and body posture. Every keeper has distinct movement and I tweaked it a little and it worked,” Pant said.
More, who is also a former chief selector, pointed out a few areas. “Rishabh had a more sideways movement and I suggested a bit more open-chested stance. It helps in balance and keeping a still head, something that is key to MS Dhoni’s success,” More said.
“I advised a very minor change like pointing the finger towards ground rather than the bowler. It helps one avoid injuries and success in taking catches goes up.”
Pant took seven catches on debut in the third Test at Trent Bridge, which India won, but his initial movement to the left was seen as a flaw that needed to be rectified.
Scoring a century in the fifth Test at the Oval gave him confidence and it showed in Australia where he was phenomenal behind and in front of the stumps.
“When I got that hundred in England, confidence rose to a different level. From there, I started constantly thinking how I can improve in certain areas,” Pant said.