IF THE BALL IS THERE TO GET HIT I JUST GO FOR IT-RISHABH PANT

SPORTSLIBRO CRICKETLATEST CRICKET NEWS

Rishabh Pant became a star overnight by leading his side Delhi DareDevils to a victorious 209 runs chase against Gujarat Lions and he limelighted his performance by scoring a massive 43 balls 97 runs to lead the side

Even the Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar took the arena to charge and said in an networking site that it was one of the best performance I have ever seen in the IPL, what else this young gun can require from his hearty knock.

He kicked off the playground by scoring 97 runs in just 43 balls and then got a  wonderful gesture by the master blaster himself, the day ended off in a perfect node for Pant

Speaking to a source, Samson credited his partner for his encouraging words during the course of the partnership. “Bhaiya jyada socho mat, bas maro (don’t think too much, just hit), I think that really helped me to go on. Enjoyed batting with him (Pant),” Samson told Rahul Dravid – who was just happy to let the youngsters speak as he turned emcee for the day.

Pant chipped in with his thoughts about the partnership with Samson. “I told Sanju bhai, if the ball is there to hit, just hit it. Don’t think about the next ball. If the next ball is there to hit, then again hit the ball.”

The victory has kept Daredevils alive in the race to the playoffs – having logged 8 points from 10 games. The task is still uphill, but for Dravid, it was a day to celebrate. The Daredevils mentor has been at the receiving end of some harsh criticism, but has backed his young Indian batsmen to eventually come good – on that note, it was a day of redemption.

Showering praise on his two young wards, Dravid quipped that he was happy that they (Pant and Samson) didn’t put individual milestones ahead of team goals. “What was impressive for me was Rishabh – batting on 97 and not thinking about his 100 at that stage and still going for his shots. (He was) not worrying about the 100 and (was) looking to get the team home. Incredible innings from the two boys and truly well deserved,” the Daredevils mentor gushed.

While satisfied with the performance, Dravid hoped that they would learn from their dismissals and remain unbeaten during the next run chase. “I am a hard task master (and) I hope that you guys will next time finish the job and stay not out,” Dravid concluded.