Zak bhai asked me to play my natural game: Pant credits Zaheer for IPL debut success

New Delhi: Delhi Daredevils batsman Rishabh Pant, who made his maiden IPL half-century against Gujarat Lions in his first match as an opener on Tuesday, said he was just looking to play his natural game. “Obviously, it’s a good feeling to contribute something to the team’s victory. The staff members and captain have confidence in me, and I feel I justified this confidence and faith,” Pant said, after Daredevils beat Lions by eight wickets here last night.

Promoted to the opening slot, Pant smashed 69 runs off 40 balls with nine fours and two sixes. Despite opening the innings for the first time, he looked aggressive and reached his half-century off just 25 balls.

Chasing 150, Delhi Daredevils saw a 115-run opening stand in 13.3 overs, as Quinton de Kock and Pant scored freely. “The pitch was good to bat on and I just played my natural game,” Pant said. “Zakbhai (Zaheer Khan) had told me that if I get an opportunity to play, I should grab it with both hands. I did just that. He told me to not think too much about the game and how to play, not to take any pressure. The main thing is that I just played my natural game.”

“Zakbhai has a different fielding strategy in every game, because we have a unique plan for every game. We try to execute our plans on the field,” Pant added.