In the realm of cricket, the saga of Indian cricketer Rishabh Pant is particularly striking. The third installment of the 'Believe' series on Star Sports brings to light the wicketkeeper-batter's extraordinary path, marked by personal and professional hurdles, victories, and unwavering faith in his abilities.

This exclusive feature, which is being premiered on the Star Sports Network, invites fans to delve into Pant's inspiring comeback story, showcasing the resilience and camaraderie that propels him forward.

Pant - who has been out of cricket action for more than a year after suffering a near-fatal car crash near while he was on his way to his home town in Uttarakhand - narrated about those days, how he gathered the strength to literally get back at his feet, and his bond with fellow India teammates.

A Bond Beyond the Game

In his candid conversation, Pant opened up about his profound bond with former India captain MS Dhoni. Pant made his international debut when the legendary wicketkeeper-batter was an integral part of the national side and was termed as the next match-winner for India after Dhoni.

This relationship, characterised by open communication and mutual respect, has been a cornerstone of Pant's learning and growth. Dhoni's mentorship has offered Pant invaluable insights, allowing him to navigate the complexities of his career with confidence. Pant's reverence for Dhoni underscores the importance of mentorship in sports, illustrating how guidance from experienced players can shape the journey of emerging talents.

"I always find it difficult to explain my relationship with MS Dhoni. There are some with whom you can talk freely. I discuss everything with MSD. I have learned so much from him. I discuss things with him that I wouldn't discuss with anybody else. That's the kind of relationship with him," Pant said.

Integration into the Indian Cricket Team

Pant's transition into the Indian cricket team was smoothed by the welcoming attitude of seasoned players like Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni. Their support played a crucial role in Pant's acclimatization to the team dynamics, fostering a culture of inclusivity and encouragement. This nurturing environment is testament to the team's ethos, where every newcomer is given a chance to feel at home and contribute to the team's success.

“In the start, I was very young, and there were a lot of senior players, a lot of them actually. Yuvraj Singh, MS. Dhoni were there, all seniors. It does take some time, but I didn't get the feeling of them being super seniors. They were very welcoming and made me very comfortable. They make every new player very comfortable. This is the culture of the Indian team,” Pant added further.

Confronting Criticism and Comparison

The young wicketkeeper-batsman also touched upon the challenges of stepping into Dhoni's shoes, facing undue criticism and comparisons early in his career. Pant's candid recount of the emotional toll these comparisons took on him reveals the pressures young athletes face. His resilience in the face of such adversity speaks volumes about his character and dedication to the sport, highlighting the importance of mental strength in overcoming obstacles.

"First of all, I didn't understand why questions were raised. I had just made it to the team, and people were talking about being a replacement. Why were people raising such questions at a youngster? Why are you comparing? There shouldn't be any comparison at all. Some have played five matches and the others have played 500.

"It's been such a long journey, so many ups and downs, so the comparison is not fair. I used to really feel very bad. I used to go back to my room and cry at 20-21 years of age. Under stress, I couldn't breathe. So much pressure, and I didn't know what to do. I missed a stumping in Mohali, and the crowd started to chant 'Dhoni Dhoni’," the explosive Dehli cricketer added further.

The 'Believe' series on Star Sports not only provides a platform for athletes like Rishabh Pant to share their stories but also serves as a source of inspiration for millions. Pant's journey, marked by perseverance, mentorship, and the overcoming of criticism, resonates with many aspiring cricketers and sports enthusiasts.