The Indian wicket-keeper batter, Rishabh Pant reckoned that they had enough runs on the boards in the second ODI against South Africa in Paarl. However, he also acknowledged that the Indian bowlers failed to take wickets at regular intervals and it cost them the game. Pant played a brilliant knock of 71-ball 85 but it was not enough as India lost the second ODI by seven wickets, thus conceding the three-match series to South Africa after losing the first game by 31 runs.
While talking to the reports after the 2nd ODI, as per the quotes in India Today, Rishabh Pant said, “The track was slightly on the slower side and at the same time, we had enough runs on the board. Last match (first ODI), we chased, and this match we batted first, so when they batted, the wicket was much better for batting.”
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He further added, “In the second innings, it became slower and slower as the game progressed. Today, it was the same but they batted well in middle overs that’s why they chased down the target. We didn’t get enough wickets in the middle overs.”
Crediting the South African spinners, Rishabh Pant acknowledged that Tabraiz Shamsi, Keshav Maharaj, and Aiden Markram were more consistent in their lines and lengths as compared to their Indian counter-parts Ravichandran Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal. He also said that this was India’s first ODI series after a long gap and that was one of the biggest reasons for the defeat.
Talking about the spinner, Rishabh Pant said, “I think they (SA spinners) were more consistent in their lines and lengths and they are used to playing in these conditions.”
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Pointing out that the gap of not playing ODIs one of the reasons behind the series loss, Rishabh Pant said, “One of the biggest reasons for the defeat is lack of 50-over game time for a long duration. 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.”
