Rishabh Pant Would Tell Bowlers to Bowl Fast, Attack His Body: India Star Justifies Ashish Nehra’s Early Assessment
Indian wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant has always been known for his fearless cricket. From his early days in domestic cricket to his rise as one of India’s most impactful players, Pant’s style has reflected audacity and self-belief. Recently, Sanjay Bangar recalled how former India pacer Ashish Nehra had identified this quality early on, sharing that Pant would often tell bowlers in the nets to “bowl fast and attack his body.”
This unique mindset, unusual for a young batter, stood as an early indicator of the courage that would later define Rishabh Pant’s international career. Today, as vice-captain of the Indian Test team and one of the most valuable players in the Indian Premier League, Pant continues to justify Nehra’s early assessment.
Ashish Nehra’s Bold Observation
Pant’s Audacity in Practice Nets
According to Sanjay Bangar, Nehra was among the first to spot Pant’s extraordinary mental toughness. While most young cricketers tried to avoid short-pitched bowling, Pant openly invited it. By telling bowlers to bowl fast and target his body, he showed he was not afraid of pace or intimidation.
This wasn’t just confidence; it was a glimpse of how Pant approached challenges. He believed in facing them head-on rather than shying away.
Early Belief in Pant’s Talent
Nehra also viewed Pant as naturally gifted. The combination of raw talent and an aggressive mindset made him stand out. Bangar revealed that Nehra often said Pant would rise quickly because of these traits, and history proved him right.
Why This Approach Defined Rishabh Pant
Turning Fear Into Strength
Very few players in world cricket want fast bowlers to attack their body. Pant’s willingness to take on short-pitched bowling showed his readiness to adapt and counter-attack. Instead of fear, he saw opportunity—a quality that would make him a match-winner in the toughest situations.
Impact in IPL and International Cricket
This fearless approach translated into performances in both IPL and international cricket. Pant became known for his ability to change matches in a few overs, whether with counter-attacking Test innings in Australia or finishing games in white-ball formats. His rise was not accidental—it was rooted in the fearless training attitude that Nehra first observed.
Rishabh Pant’s Journey Through Adversity
The 2022 Car Accident
Pant’s courage was tested beyond cricket in December 2022 when he survived a near-fatal car accident on the Delhi-Dehradun highway. He sustained multiple injuries and underwent several surgeries. Recovery was slow and painful, with even simple daily tasks becoming a challenge.
Nehra’s Guidance During Recovery
During this tough phase, Ashish Nehra once again offered guidance. Pant has shared that Nehra told him to focus on staying happy and finding joy in small things rather than constantly worrying about cricket. This advice helped him cope with the long rehabilitation period.
Resilient Comeback
Pant made a remarkable return in IPL 2024 and later contributed to India’s T20 World Cup win. His comeback was not just about cricketing skills but also about mental resilience. By accepting limitations and focusing on progress, he rebuilt himself step by step.
Rishabh Pant Today: From Player to Leader
Vice-Captain of the Indian Test Team
With the retirement of seniors like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli from certain formats, India needed new leaders. Pant’s maturity and fighting spirit earned him the role of vice-captain in the Test team. It was a natural progression for a player who has always led by example.
IPL’s Most Expensive Player
Pant’s value in the Indian Premier League also skyrocketed. In the 2025 IPL mega-auction, Lucknow Super Giants secured him for a record-breaking ₹27 crore, making him the most expensive player in IPL history. This highlighted not only his batting skills but also his leadership and brand value.
International Success
Pant was part of India’s 2024 T20 World Cup–winning squad and also contributed to the Champions Trophy victory in 2025. These achievements established him as one of the pillars of modern Indian cricket, fulfilling the early promise Nehra had seen in him.
Why Rishabh Pant’s Story Inspires Fans
Lessons in Fearlessness
Pant’s career shows the power of facing challenges head-on. Whether it was inviting bouncers in the nets or standing up to world-class bowlers in high-pressure Tests, he showed that courage can become a weapon.
Resilience Beyond the Field
His accident and recovery added another dimension to his journey. Pant is now seen not only as a talented cricketer but also as a role model for resilience. His ability to bounce back stronger makes him relatable to fans who face their own life challenges.
Conclusion: Ashish Nehra’s Insight Proven Right
Ashish Nehra’s early assessment of Rishabh Pant was simple yet powerful—here was a player unafraid of pace, willing to take on challenges most avoided. Years later, Pant has not only lived up to that assessment but gone far beyond it.
From a fearless young batter to a national hero who overcame tragedy, Pant’s journey embodies courage, resilience, and leadership. His story serves as a reminder that fearlessness is not about ignoring risk but about embracing it with belief and clarity.
Today, as he leads India into a new era and commands record-breaking value in the IPL, Rishabh Pant remains the living proof that Nehra’s judgment was spot-on from the very beginning.
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