India vs New Zealand: Rishabh Pant must accept he is going through a tough phase, says Ajinkya Rahane

Rishabh Pant needs to accept that he is going through a tough phase and needs to concentrate on improving as a cricketer, Ajinkya Rahane said on Thursday.

Ahead of the first Test between India and New Zealand in Wellington, India's Test vice-captain spoke to reporters where he was quizzed about Pant's current situation in the Indian team.

A few months ago, Pant was India's first-choice wicketkeeper-batsman across formats. However, now the 22-year-old has lost his spot to KL Rahul in limited-overs formats and is likely to be replaced by experienced Wriddhiman Saha in the upcoming two-Test series.

Rahane too has undergone the rough patch in terms of selection matters and hence, he had a word of advice for his younger colleague.

"It's important to accept whatever you are going through. Be positive, try and learn as many things as possible from any of the players. Not saying it has to be senior or junior," Rahane said.

When asked how one can internalize failure or rejection, Rahane responded by saying introspection becomes vital and that only starts with acceptance.

"See no one likes to sit outside but whatever your team needs on a particular game, you have got to accept that. I think acceptance is really important talking about that particular individual. Focus on controllable, keeping working hard and improve as a cricketer," the Mumbai cricketer added further in his interview on the eve of the Wellington Test.

Rahane, who was dropped from India's XI during their South Africa tour in 2018, has further advised Pant to understand that a comeback could be on his way anytime.

"You should try and focus on what he can control as a player and keep visualizing that you will get an opportunity. You know what your role is. For Rishabh, he bats at No 6 or 7, so keep visualising about what if he gets an opportunity and what his role is. Keep it simple," Rahane added.