Pant: ‘Test inclusion a dream come true’

"I always wanted to be a part of the Indian Test squad,” Pant told bcci.tv. “It was an amazing feeling, not only for me, but also for my family and my coach Tarek Sinha, who helped me understand the game very early in life. He has always wanted me to play Test cricket for India and when I got the call, he was very proud and I enjoyed that moment."

The 20-year-old scored a half-century for India A against England Lions in their most recent encounter, having been one of the few positive notes among India’s understudies.

He has earned praise from India A coach Rahul Dravid, with the India legend claiming: "He has the temperament and skills to bat differently … I hope he takes this maturity into the national team and builds from there."

Pant shot to national recognition after a stellar domestic season in the 2017/18 Ranji Trophy, where he took up Delhi's captaincy and plundered over 900 runs, before also impressing in the 2018 Indian Premier League.

The hot prospect is unfazed by unfamiliar conditions in England, exuding the fearlessness of youth. "I reckon there isn't too much difference, but it has got more to do with shot selection,” he said. "I have so far enjoyed my preparation with red ball cricket. The Duke ball swings a lot when you're here in England."

Having been under the tutelage of Dravid since his time with India Under 19s, Pant has recognised the influence he’s had on his game, especially the mental side of batting. "The only thing he always tells me is that you need to be patient about everything, be it on the field or off it,” he said.

“Also, how I needed to work harder on my game when it comes to red ball cricket, since I'm a positive batsman, but at times you need to play to the situation. See the pace of the game and change your game accordingly. He has helped me a lot."

During his four T20Is to date, his only action in the senior India side, Pant has enjoyed the dressing room culture. "Every time I come to the Indian dressing room, there is one thing that has always stood out for me – the positivity,” he said. “Everyone is supporting and backing each other, which is the most important factor.”

India play five Test matches in England, starting on 1 August in Birmingham.