Follow UsIndia opener Ishan Kishan felt that good batting by David Miller and Rassie van der Dussen's took the game away from India in their seven-wicket loss against South Africa in the first T20I at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.
Miller (64 not out off 34 balls) alongside Van der Dussen added 131 runs in 63 balls for the fourth wicket as South Africa chased down a target of 212 with five balls to spare.
"The ball wasn't seaming like it was when we were batting. Our bowlers were trying to assess where they went wrong," Kishan told reporters on Thursday.
"We know how dangerous Miller is when he gets going. When that happens, it makes things easier for the other batsman as well. We have to look at our individual mistakes. But they are world-class players and we have to credit them also," he added.
Van der Dussen received a reprieve while batting on 29 when Shreyas Iyer dropped him at the boundary in Avesh Khan's 16th overs. The right hander went on to score 75 not out off 46 balls to help South Africa to a cruising victory. Kishan felt that one dropped catch is not the reason for the defeat.
"When we lose its not just one player's fault. Yes, catches win matches but we need to look at our bowling department also so we can come back stronger in the next game," the left-hander said.
Rishabh Pant, who leading India for the first time, went with Yuzvendra Chahal for the final over with four runs to defend despite India having the option to bowl Hardik Pandya. Kishan explained that the pitch not helping the pacers as the reason behind the decision.
"I think Rishabh's plan was to go with Yuzi because the ball was coming on to bat very well against pace. Yes, Hardik bhai could've bowled the last over, but the plan was get Chahal to go for a wicket if they go for a wrong shot," Kishan said.
Put in to bat first, India were anchored by Kishan's 76 off 48 balls while captain Rishabh Pant (29 off 16 balls) and Hardik Pandya (31 not out off 12 balls) added vital runs at the end.
"Initially we knew that we cannot get going on this wicket. My plan was to target the loose balls. In T20Is, powerplay is very important. We need to respect good bowlers as Nortje and Rabada have done really well for their country. My plan was to keep playing my shots and make them change their line and length," Kishan said.
Kishan, who was promoted up the order in place of rested Rohit Sharma and injured KL Rahul, felt that he is not thinking about being permanent fixture in the playing XI.
"They are world-class players who have scored lots of runs for the country. I would never ask someone to drop them and play me instead. For me, its about playing well whenever I get the chance and it is up to the selectors and coaches to decide about my place," the 23-year old said.
India and South Africa face off in the second T20I on June 12 at Cuttack.