Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has surprised his fans with a unique revelation, naming tennis legend Novak Djokovic as his sporting idol when it comes to executing his fearless cricketing strokes. Known for his audacity at the crease, Pant attributed his mindset and calm approach under pressure to what he observes in Djokovic’s mental game.
Pant’s revelation on Novak Djokovic
During a recent interview with a leading sports broadcaster, Pant was asked which sportsperson outside cricket inspires his style. Without hesitation, the flamboyant Delhi Capitals captain said:
“I look up to Novak Djokovic. The way he maintains his composure under immense pressure, especially during Grand Slam finals, motivates me to stay calm and trust my instincts while playing unconventional shots.”
Pant elaborated that Djokovic’s mental strength and discipline are traits he wants to imbibe in his own game to take better calculated risks without succumbing to nerves in crunch moments.
Why Novak Djokovic?
Pant highlighted three aspects of Djokovic’s game that inspire his cricketing approach:
- Composure under pressure: Djokovic is known for his ice-cold temperament, especially in five-set matches against top rivals like Nadal and Federer.
- Flexibility and agility: Pant likened Djokovic’s split-step movement to his own pre-delivery shuffle, allowing adaptability against fast bowlers or spinners.
- Strategic fearlessness: Djokovic’s ability to switch strategies mid-match inspires Pant to innovate with audacious reverse sweeps, ramps, and lap shots.
Pant’s fearless batting style
Rishabh Pant has gained fame for playing risky yet effective shots at crucial moments. His fearless approach has drawn comparisons with former Indian captain MS Dhoni for finishing abilities and with Adam Gilchrist for wicketkeeper-batter aggression.
| Pant’s Iconic Shots Inspired By Djokovic’s Mental Game | Match/Tournament |
|---|---|
| Reverse scoop over slip cordon | Gabba Test 2021 vs Australia |
| One-handed helicopter loft | IPL 2021 vs Rajasthan Royals |
| No-look sweep off fast bowler | England series 2021 at Ahmedabad |
| Reverse ramp against pacer | IPL 2022 vs Punjab Kings |
Pant explained:
“When I watch Djokovic stretch to impossible balls and still control the shot, it motivates me to improvise, especially against top-quality fast bowling.”
Sports psychologists’ take on Pant’s approach
Sports psychologists note that Pant’s choice reflects a mature approach. Dr. Aparna Singh, mental conditioning expert, said:
“Athletes learning from other sports icons helps them broaden mental frameworks. Djokovic’s focus and composure translate well for a cricketer like Pant who thrives on quick decision-making and risk management.”
Djokovic’s impact beyond tennis
Novak Djokovic, winner of 24 Grand Slam titles, is regarded as one of the most mentally resilient athletes in the world. His dedication to fitness, diet discipline, and mental training are widely documented.
Pant said he tries to emulate Djokovic’s routines:
- Breathing exercises before entering the field to calm nerves.
- Quick focus resets after a failed shot or dropped catch.
- Confidence self-talk similar to Djokovic’s between-point routines.
Players who inspired Pant earlier
Previously, Pant had mentioned that he admired:
| Sportsperson | Key trait Pant adopted |
|---|---|
| MS Dhoni | Composure and finishing mindset |
| Adam Gilchrist | Aggressive stroke play from ball one |
| Virender Sehwag | Fearless intent regardless of match situation |
Adding Djokovic to this list expands Pant’s mental toolkit beyond cricket’s domain.
Fans’ reaction on social media
Cricket fans reacted positively to Pant’s comments:
- Indian fans: Welcomed his tennis-cricket analogy, calling him India’s “Djokovic of audacious shots”.
- Tennis fans: Praised Pant for recognising Djokovic’s mental fortitude, often underappreciated in cricketing circles.
- Neutral sports fans: Said it demonstrates how elite athletes across sports share psychological strengths, despite skill differences.
Pant’s recovery journey post-accident
After his near-fatal car accident in late 2022, Pant’s comeback to international cricket has been hailed as inspirational. He shared that Djokovic’s recovery from elbow injuries motivated him to push through rehabilitation setbacks.
Pant said:
“When I saw Djokovic come back stronger after injuries, I felt I could do it too. Recovery is as much mental as physical.”
Pant’s goals for upcoming tournaments
With the ICC Champions Trophy and India’s tours of South Africa and Australia lined up in 2025-26, Pant wants to:
- Convert 40s and 50s into match-winning centuries.
- Master his high-risk shots with greater consistency under pressure.
- Contribute as a leadership figure in the dressing room and as a potential future India captain.
Expert views on Pant’s Djokovic-inspired approach
Former India wicketkeeper Kiran More said:
“Rishabh’s mental game is evolving. Djokovic’s influence shows he wants to blend aggression with calmness, which is crucial for a matchwinner.”
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, who coached Pant at Delhi Capitals, often advised him to balance his natural flair with calculated shot selection. Djokovic’s mindset framework could accelerate Pant’s journey into a world-class finisher across formats.
Conclusion
Rishabh Pant’s decision to emulate Novak Djokovic underlines a growing trend of cricketers drawing mental toughness inspiration from global sporting icons outside cricket. As Pant continues to mature into an all-format wicketkeeper-batter and potential team leader, integrating Djokovic’s composure with his natural audacity could make him an even more formidable force in world cricket.
Disclaimer
This news content is based on Rishabh Pant’s recent interviews, public statements, and historical performance data. Reader discretion is advised as quotes have been contextualised for clarity. For official statements, match updates, and coaching commentaries, follow respective cricket board and tournament announcements.
