Rishabh Pant was heartbroken after non-selection in 2019 World Cup, reveals Mohammad Kaif

According to Delhi Capitals assistant coach Mohammad Kaif, the 22-year-old looked dejected after initially being overlooked for the World Cup. Kaif added that it was his Delhi Capitals mates who convinced him that it was just the beginning of his career. The former India cricketer also backed Pant as an asset, if used correctly by Team India. 

“His name was not there, and he felt quite low. He is quite an emotional person. He started feeling bad immediately afterwards that he was not selected. We picked up on those things. So, we spoke to him a lot. We told him - ‘you are quite young, at the age of 20-21, a player just starts his career. You have already made a name for yourself. You have already won the matches for your team,” Kaif revealed on Aakash Chopra's Youtube chat show ‘Aakash Vani’.

“None of us ever had any doubts that he will not be a big player, or he will not perform. We have always maintained that ‘you are a good player, you will get your chance. Just keep doing what you are doing, keep winning matches like you have been doing every year’. We spoke to him on his mental thoughts. But he is a class player, there is no doubt on this. You don’t get such players. If he is used correctly, then he can be an asset. He is quite young as well, when he plays for two-three years more, he will become an even better player,” added Kaif.