It seems Rishabh Pant has carried more than just his batting gear into the middle during the ongoing Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy — he’s brought his inner coach too. In a striking display of self-talk and self-awareness, Pant has been heard constantly instructing, motivating, and occasionally scolding himself while batting, especially during pressure situations. This became especially noticeable during the second innings at Leeds, where India found themselves in a spot of bother.

Despite having scored a century in the first innings, Pant looked a touch nervous early on. But with a steady stream of audible self-motivation, he gradually settled and went on to notch up his second century of the match — a rare and remarkable feat.

Interestingly, Pant has also dialed up the volume behind the stumps. While his chirpy one-liners and lively banter with teammates have always made him a favourite on the stump mic, this series has showcased a deeper, more introspective side. He isn’t just entertaining anymore — he’s actively coaching himself through tough passages of play.

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Reflecting on his in-game chatter, Rishabh Pant explained: “The idea is to keep talking to myself as a batter. I’ve always done it. But in this series, the stump mic is picking it up more often. My late coach, Tarak Sinha sir, always told me to do this — to be my own coach in the middle. It keeps me focused.”

‘Jo unhone sikhaaya…’: #RishabhPant‘s hilarious reason for stump-mic chatter goes viralhttps://t.co/tg6ehLTqk4

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Pant’s approach seems to be paying rich dividends. With 342 runs from just two Tests, including two centuries and a crucial fifty at Edgbaston, he’s looked in sublime touch and is currently third on the series run charts — behind only Shubman Gill and Harry Brook. More importantly, he’s embraced the vice-captaincy with a calm authority, bringing both maturity and flair to the crease.

India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak also shed light on Pant’s unique process.”He thinks a lot about his game. He doesn’t like too much talk during his innings, as it can disrupt his flow. But off the field, he engages deeply, plans meticulously, and shares insights about his own and others’ games. You can’t score Test hundreds without that level of clarity,” Kotak said.

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On the much-talked-about return of Jofra Archer, Rishabh Pant offered a respectful but grounded take: “It’s great to have him back. But for me, it’s about focusing on the game and giving my best — not about any particular opponent. That’s how I approach every contest.”