Here is how Rishabh Pant explained 2nd consecutive loss to South Africa

India lost to South Africa by four wickets in the 2nd T20 to hand them a lead of 2-0 in the 5-match T20 series. During the post-match interview, Pant mentioned how they were 10-15 runs short, the performance of spinners and more. 

As far as the spinners are concerned, Axar could be only be given one over in which he conceded 19 runs. Chahal was equally bad as he conceived 49 runs in four overs. 

In the two games, Axar has given away 59 runs in five overs while Chahal has gone for 75 in six overs. “The spinners have (need) to come (perform) better into the game,” Pant said at the post-match presentation ceremony without elaborating much.

He admitted that a total of 148 for 6 was probably 15 runs short despite the track being two-paced in nature.

I think (while) batting, we were 10-15 runs short. Bhuvi and all other fast bowlers, though, bowled very well. We were short in the second half, and things did not go our way. The bowlers started really well, but after 10-11 overs, we did not bowl well and that’s where the game changed. We thought we were going to do similar things (as the South African bowlers). In the last three matches, we will look to win.

Man of the match Heinrich Klaasen was happy that he could play such a knock as it would “extend his career”.

“I am glad the knock came against India. I hope it extends my career longer. I haven’t performed well in the last couple of years. I am very happy and confident to be here,” Klaasen said.

He was selected as regular keeper Quinton de Kock sustained a wrist injury.

Quinny (De Kock) came up to me two days back in the team bus and said he injured his wrists. I thought he is a strong character and he will be fine. But yesterday again, he said his hand is not fine. Yesterday morning, we came to training and the coach told me I might play.

His skipper Temba Bavuma was happy with how things panned out.

“It was a tricky chase. They got the ball to talk with the new ball, it was tricky. I was just trying to hold in and allowed Klassen to come and do what he does best. We could have been clinical at the end, but the result is what matters,” Bavuma said.

Klaasen can do a lot of damage with a couple of balls. He adds a lot of value to our batting. It is about whatever your role is,” he was all praise for Proteas’ hero of the second game. 

 

(Inputs PTI)