Follow UsIndia seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar said that the bowling unit is not to concerned by the seven-wicket loss in the first T20I against South Africa in Delhi. David Miller and Rassie van der Dussen hit unbeaten fifties as the visitors chased a target of 212 with five balls remaining.
Bhuvneshwar himself had an off day as he conceded 43 runs from his four overs as all the Indian bowlers went over 8 runs per over as the Proteas took a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
"Our bowling did not go off well and let him down. If we did well then you would have hailed his decision-making skills. I'm sure he will do well," Bhuvenshwar said in the pre-match press conference ahead of the second T20I.
"There wasn't any big discussion as anyone can have an off day. As a bowling unit, we had an off day but that's okay we just want to come back in the next match. It was the first match of the series and everybody was coming out of the IPL, almost everyone in the team had a good IPL. Everyone knows what needs to be done and things to improve on," he added.
India are without regulars Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami while KL Rahul was sidelined for the series due to a groin injury. Bhuvneshwar backed Rishabh Pant, who was elevated to the captain's role after Rahul's injury.
"He's a young captain and it was his first match. I'm sure he will try to do better and improve as the series progresses. Generally the captain is as good as the team and it's a team effort," he said.
The experienced pacer was confident that India can level the series at Cuttack on Sunday.
"We are aware that we didn't bowl well in the first match. So we hope to improve, bowl well and level the series. We still have four matches to go, we have matches in hands to bounce back," Bhuvneshwar said.
Bhuvneshwar was hit for 22 runs in the 18th over of the first T20I as he felt that there are no drastic changes he needs to make to his game.
"My target is not any different. I just have to bowl in the same way as in the power play or in the death overs. Yes, in absence of them, I try to take up responsibility, focus on improving in every match before going to the T20 World Cup," he said.
The second T20I between India and South Africa will begin at 7 pm (IST) on Sunday at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack.