'Jab Zaroorat Padegi, Ghar Se...': When Rishabh Pant Stunned Ex-India Star After Ranji Trophy Snub
During his Under-19 days, an uber-confident Rishabh Pant didn't take his non-selection in Delhi's Ranji Trophy squad to the heart.
Delhi had a stormy build-up to their Ranji Trophy 2015-16 campaign. Before the season got underway, Ajay Jadeja quit as their head coach and claimed that 'players are being used to settle scores" in the Delhi and District Cricket Association (DDCA).
Jadeja oversaw just a few days of training sessions before stepping away. A certain Rishabh Pant would go on to make his first-class debut midway through the season after being initially snubbed from the squad.
Jadeja recalls how he tried convincing the Pant to attend Delhi's training session after he wasn't picked in the Ranji Trophy squad. However, the then 18-year-old wicketkeeper-batter turned down the idea and confidently proclaimed that if needed, the team management will call him.
'I will never forget our first meeting," Jadeja recalled on Sony Sports. 'I was the coach of Delhi for a few days before quitting (in 2015). The selectors and captain kept arguing over the players they wanted to have in the team. Pant wasn't picked. I still told him (Pant) to attend the practice session for the Ranji Trophy, telling him that it doesn't matter that you've not been selected, there will be a chance in future."
'He (Pant) replied, ' B haiya rehne do na, jab zaroorat padegi, ghar se bulayenge' (Let it be. When they need me, they will call me from home)."
Rishabh Pant's FC Record For Delhi
Pant was eventually called up for Delhi's fourth match of the season and made his FC debut against Bengal in drawn game at home. He scored 28 off 46 in the first innings and 57 off 71 in the second dig.
Overall, he has played 18 first-class matches for Delhi and scored 1413 runs at an average of 54.34. He has four centuries and as many half-centuries to his name.
In this second Ranji Trophy season, Pant blasted a famous triple-century – 308 against Maharashtra at the Wankhede Stadium at the age of 19.
First Published:
June 26, 2025, 10:11 IST
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