Pant will be an X-factor for India in CT: Zaheer Khan

Zaheer Khan, who has seen Rishabh Pant from the player's Under-19 days, feels the wicketkeeper-batter will leave an impact on any match he plays, be it for India or LSG. Excerpts from an interview:

What are your impressions of Rishabh as a captain?

I spent time with him in his early days when he had come back from the India Under-19 side. I was then captaining Delhi Daredevils. Since then, I've seen that he's got a great drive... he has a fearless approach to the game and is always ready to take the game on.

You look at how his career also has evolved. He has made sure that he sticks to his natural instincts and I think it's going to be pretty much the same with captaincy as well. The proactive nature is something which we would want to encourage - I mean in terms of decision making. My discussions with him have also been along those lines. That's the exciting part.

At LSG, we would want to instill similar kind of qualities and approach in our squad and the brand of cricket which we want to play. You know, being fearless and having the intent... that's the kind of cricket we want to play. The T20 format requires that kind of intent and approach to be able to take the game on.

He is only 27. Do you think he has the ability to inspire teammates?

I have no doubt about it. He is a lively character and it's something which sits well with him. He's someone who always makes that conscious effort. That always helps in terms of communication, being approachable. Those are the qualities which are very vital, especially in a franchise cricket setup where you have a very diverse set of individuals. Such a combination requires those things.

LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka says that he sees in Pant a long term captain for India.

I was mentioning earlier when I saw him in his early days. Since then I was very clear that this player is special - definitely a captaincy material. See, he's definitely gonna evolve as a captain. We are there to guide him, to support him and to mentor him so that he can get better and better. I have no doubts that he's got a lot of things to offer and his contribution to cricket is going to be immense. He's on that journey, he's very determined, very excited and we're going to make sure that he evolves in the best possible way.

What are your thoughts on his batting? He instils fear in the opposition but he takes a lot of risk too.

Of course. He loves to take the game on. The kind of ability he has to hit the ball all over the park... It makes him very different. He's an out-of-the-box thinker. We would want to encourage that. As for the risk, I have a philosophy that you should play the game as it's unfolding and the game is played in the field. So you back your instincts and you should have that freedom.

And that is what I will be looking to provide not only to him but for the whole squad. We want to have that culture of having a very open approach to the game where individuals are backing their instincts and that's why I'm excited that I have a captain who himself is so fearless and ready to take the game on all the time. The bottom line is you strive to win. You gotta keep finding ways to win the games and have that never-say-die attitude. All these factors and qualities are going to be encouraged and people will have that freedom to express themselves.

Can he make a difference for the Indian team in the Champions Trophy?

He's an X-factor player. So, when you are looking at having an X-factor player in your team, it's going to be an added advantage all the time. That's why the expectations are on him, and he's also determined. When you're looking at him and being part of the team, obviously he's there to make it count and have that impact.

The last year or so has been eventful for him. He made a comeback, won a World Cup, lost a home series, lost away in Aus, changed the IPL teams and now is the captain of a new team. Do you think too many things are happening for him too fast?

Look, when I speak with him I just know that he has had his ups and downs. What's the most important thing is that he's back on the field and he's enjoying every minute of it. He has matured. He's seeing life in a different perspective. That is going to help him, help his cricket and gonna help him grow even more. So when you're talking about any cricketer's journey, all these experiences only would be about how you look at them and how quickly you evolve and learn from them. I think the journey with him is also going to be that. So there is nothing like too many things happening too fast. All these experiences are only going to help him.

You have seen many keeper-batters. Who do you think comes closest to him? MS Dhoni, Adam Gilchrist..?

I would say Virender Sehwag. That is the right comparison, in terms of style and having that kind of impact at the international level. The names which you've mentioned also had a similar kind of approach. I think there is a resemblance,

He is the costliest player in the IPL history. Don't you think such a heavy price could bog him down and put pressure to perform?

I think it's about playing the game and I know that he's going to play the game the way he plays and that's what matters.

Mr. Gavaskar criticized him for a risky shot in Sydney. Can he handle criticism?

When it comes to batting, I'm gonna give not only to Rishabh but each and every batter in that squad to have the freedom. And back their instinct. Everyone has played the game at different levels for long enough time to know how the game unfolds.

My philosophy is about the game to be played on the field and in that moment you want to take the decision. And the decision making shouldn't be confused. It should be done with simplicity and instinct at that stage, keeping the team's goal in mind. You are collectively winning and collectively losing. So when you are playing a team sport, you are just going with what the team requires for you to do in that situation. That freedom everyone will have.