Caretaker captain Rishabh Pant pointed to the positives from the drawn five-match T20I series in the middle India and South Africa. The southpaw lauded the character of the team, which they showed by bouncing back after losing the first T20I after the Rajkot clash to level the series 2-2. In the absence of senior players including Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah and KL Rahul, the youngsters impressed many with their fearless approach in the shortest format of the game.
The fifth T20I match between India and South Africa was called off due to incessant rain after just 21 balls were bowled at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Pant admitted that the series ended in a draw was a bit disappointing but pointed to the positives at the same time.
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“It may be a bit disappointing, but there are a lot of positives, especially the way the entire team showed character after the 2-0 series,” Pant said in the post-match presentation.
The stand-in captain said that the team is moving in the right direction as they try to find new ways to win matches.
“We are trying to find different ways to win matches, we are trying to play in a new way. There will be mistakes, but we are on the right track.”
This was the first time that Pant led the Indian team, he impressed many with his leadership qualities, but his tremendous batting performance raised questions about his place in the XI for the future.
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Talking about his own performance, Pant said that he is focused on giving his 100 per cent on the field and is working hard to keep improving.
“I can only think of giving my 100 per cent as a player and captain. It is for you guys to decide how I am performing as a player and captain, I can focus on giving my 100 per cent every time I go on the field and keep improving.
Pant lost all five tosses in the series as the southpaw said it was in his control and the team would now focus on the Test match against England.
“It’s the first time I’ve lost so many tosses, but it’s not in my control. We will look forward to winning the Test in England and from a personal point of view I want to contribute more to the team with the bat.” I am curious
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