After scoring 146 runs in a winning cause against Assam, Rishabh Pant scored yet another century as Delhi look to pull off a draw with a first innings lead against Maharashtra in the ongoing game at the Wankhede Stadium. In reply to the opposition’s 635 for two declared, the middle-order batsman had taken his team to 376 for five with an unbeaten 155 until stumps on Day 3. Pant had smashed six sixes during the day’s play, one of which had landed on the dressing room balcony and other at the opposite end near sight screen. He also took his chances as he entertained during his 165-ball stay at the crease. “I knew that the wicket was good for batting and I batted accordingly,” he said after the end of day’s play. “Most of the time I look to dominate when I am batting, but (at the same time) when they were bowling well (today), I was backing off. I did take a few risks, but then you have to do that,” he added. Elaborating on the conditions he said, “The wicket is slightly different now than what it was during the first innings. It was even better for batting then. Now it is turning a bit. So we have to adjust a bit. I was hitting the balls which were in my areas. I didn’t want to do anything extra or out of the way.” When asked about his preparation ahead of the season, he said, “Yes, I did prepare this season for the Ranji Trophy, because just scoring runs in the Indian Premier League is not enough. Last year I had played only a few first-class games as I was part of the India U19 team as well. This year I knew I will get a full season to play and I have to perform. It has started well as of now.” Reflecting on his back to back tons and the significance of scoring big he said, “I was out for 146; that will count as a hundred. So, either I have to score 150 or 200 (to make it count). Hundred doesn’t have much value in today’s day and age, you have to score at least a double ton if you want to play good cricket (get noticed and go to the next level). Whatever you score over and above that adds value to you as well. So I had decided that the next time I get a chance I have to score big no matter what. I have to do better than what I had in the first match.” Asked how he comes back from lapses in concentration he said, “You have to take your time and think about it and concentrate more. It is important to have a game plan; I play according to my plan depending on what the situation is.” The backing from the captain and coach also has helped him play his natural game says the youngster. “Coach and captain back me and tell me to play my natural game. There is no pressure there. They say, ‘If you play it will benefit the team.’ he added. Speaking about the influence of his Under 19 and Delhi Daredevils coach, Rahul Dravid he mentioned, “You learn discipline of batting and playing within your limits from him. Initially that wasn’t there in my game. I would try to go for runs forcefully but now watching and learning I have improved a bit.” The exposure from the U19 Cricket World Cup and IPL has helped me. You get to play against good players and that raises your game, you improve. For a domestic player IPL helps gain exposure against a variety of players from different countries which also gave me confidence,” he added while speaking about his game. Talking about his coach Tarik Sinha’s advise, Pant said, “He always tells us to think big and positive and dream big. He says if you perform then you will play (for the team). You have to be disciplined in your game and if you play to your strength it is difficult to get out.” “He appreciates and looks at what was the situation and what you did in it. It is difficult to get his appreciation. I have received it only three or four times maybe,” says the young man as he looks forward to build on his knock and make it count for his team.