Pant fully focussed on Delhi s resurgence in IPL

New Delhi May 3 (IANS) After guiding Delhi Daredevils to a much-needed four-run win against Rajasthan Royals with a flamboyant 29-ball 69 Rishabh Pant said his primary focus is to do well for his Indian Premier League (IPL) team and not think about a prospective international future.

"I m not thinking anything of that (getting into the India team) right now. I m just trying to do well for the team that s all " Pant said after Delhi clinched the rain-affected clash at the Ferozshah Kotla here.

Pant emerged as the leading run-getter of this season on Wednesday but more importantly helped the struggling Delhi side get those crucial two points and stay alive for a berth in the Indian Premier League (IPL) play-offs.

"Actually we were batting brilliantly in all the matches but small mistakes came in our way. Now we are making sure that doesn t happen and we win all our matches " he said.

What seems to have influenced Pant s exuberant form is the platform given by teenaged opener Prithvi Shaw s opening blasts and he was effusive in the praise of the U-19 World Cup winning captain.

"He was brilliant from day one. Just that he was not getting a chance. He was practising very well though. And when he got a chance he capitalised on it " said Pant.

As far as his display is concerned Pant says he is given no particular brief while batting.

"Everyone has a different role in the team. They (Shaw and Shreyas Iyer) are playing up the order so they have to maintain the run rate. They are doing a pretty good job."

"And after that I m coming in and doing my job. There is no such brief actually. Everyone is just taking the responsibility for the team " he said.

Despite their strong batting show Delhi ultimately were bailed out by the skilful bowling of Trent Boult (2/26) in the last over after Jos Buttler set up RR s chase with a 26-ball 67.

Seventh-placed Delhi will now travel to Hyderabad for Sunday s clash against the Sunrisers.

--IANS
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