Rishabh Pant is one of the biggest names in Indian cricket, the wicket-keeper batsman is the captain of Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League, has represented Delhi at the state level and is also a national team player. For many, he is an international cricketer who has made a name for himself globally but for those close to him, he’s still the cricket obsessed boy who fulfilled his father’s dream.

In this exclusive interview with SPOGO, Sakshi Pant, Rishabh Pant’s elder sister speaks about her earliest memories of him and his love for cricket, her parents’ support to fulfill Rishabh’s ambitions, childhood memories with her brother, being affected by media scrutiny, Rishabh’s potential and his greatest achievements so far. 

Q 1) As the elder sister of Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant, tell us about your brother’s obsession with cricket in his childhood. What are some of your earliest memories about him and his love for the sport?

Rishabh started playing cricket when he was in nursery and his obsession with the sport continued to grow as he became older. He would always say that ‘if anyone wants to gift me anything for my birthday, it should be cricket related things’. Instead of buying new clothes, he would buy a new cricket kit, the sport has and continues to be everything for him. 

Q 2) Did your parents support Rishabh’s ambition of being a professional cricketer? What are some of the challenges that he faced in his journey and how did he overcome them?

My brother and I are extremely blessed because our parents never stopped us from doing anything, we have always been supported by them. My father’s dream was to see Rishabh playing for India and that has now been fulfilled. We are very proud of him for this achievement. Everyone faces challenges but with family, it becomes easier to overcome them. Rishabh is also strong enough to face and overcome any challenges he may encounter. The credit goes to my parents for making us strong to deal with such adversities. 

Q 3) Tell us some funny/unique incidents or memories involving you and Rishabh during your childhood?

Rishabh and I used to go for sports training everyday after school as I used to play basketball. We used to pass through the army cantonment area in Roorkee (Uttarakhand). There were many mango trees on the way and we would pluck them daily as nobody would see us. However, one day someone caught us and both of us sped away on our cycles and didn’t stop until we reached home. It’s a memory I will never forget and I always laugh whenever I think about it. There are many such memories that I will always cherish.

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Q 4) Do you get affected by the media scrutiny about Rishabh’s performances and the criticism on social media? If yes, how do you deal with it?

I used to but not anymore because I have understood with time that it is a part of life. Media scrutiny is a part of his job and we have to deal with this, which is why I avoid such news. 

Q 5) As Rishabh is just 24 years old, do you believe he can potentially be one of the best cricketers in the world in the near future?

Ofcourse! I have always believed in him and he has the potential to become the best cricketer, I’m very proud of him for what he’s becoming. 

Q 6) For you, what has been Rishabh Pant’s greatest achievement till date and why?

For me, his greatest achievement was when he was selected for the Indian team and fulfilled our father’s dream. I wish all the success to him and I know that he will achieve everything he is working for.