NEWS
Follow UsFlamboyant wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant believes that South Africa were way better than India in the middle-overs and that's the biggest reason why they have managed to take an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match One-Day International series.
Having lost the first game by 31 runs, India were once again soundly thrashed by seven wickets after having put up a reasonably good 287 runs on the board. "The track was slightly on the slower side but at the same time, we had enough runs on the board," Pant, who scored 85 off 71 balls, said after the match.
"Last match (first ODI), we chased and this match we batted first, so when they batted, the wicket was much better for batting. In the second innings, it became slower and slower as the game progressed. Today, it was the same but they batted well in the middle overs that's why they chased down the target. We didn't get enough wickets in the middle overs."
Pant admitted that Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram and Tabraiz Shamsi have bowled better than R Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal in the two games. "I think they (SA spinners) were more consistent in their lines and lengths and they are used to playing in these conditions," he said.
Pant said India haven't played enough ODIs of late. "We are playing ODIs after a long time and lots of factors we can talk about but as a team, we are always looking to improve and hopefully, we will be able to rectify them in coming matches."
Pant brushed aside queries about the poor form of veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
"As a team, we are always looking to improve and I don't think there is much concern about Bhuvi bhai's form. Obviously, we are playing ODI after long time so we are just getting used to the momentum, obviously disappointed after losing the series but we are looking at ways to improve," he added.
Pant said he understands the value of his wicket and the reason why the team management often asks him to use his discretion in shot selection during important phases of various matches. Pant was out to an atrocious shot during the second Test in Wanderers, which led to lot of criticism from all quarters and former skipper Virat Kohli stating that they have had a word with the talented southpaw.
"There are always positive talks that as an individual what I can do. All the strokes are there but how can I play with patience and according to the situation. So a lot of discussions happen. And whatever we discuss, we practise and after that try to implement in the match," he said.
According to Pant, the team management has entrusted him with the responsibility of batting at four, to ensure the right-left combination
"The reason to bat at number four was if a left-hander gets a chance to bat in the middle, then it becomes easy to rotate strike, with the left-right combination, especially in the middle overs when leg-spinners or left-arm spinners bowl... So that is why the team management felt that a left-handed batter should bat and that is why that role was given to me. We strive to improve."
(With inputs from PTI)