The discussion about Rishabh Pant’s form and fitness seems to be endless. Ever since he was made the captain of India, he has been under strict scrutiny. The T20 series against South Africa has not been good for him so far. Lack of runs and similar manner of dismissal are some of the reasons that have given critics a chance to speak about him.
Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria is the latest person to join the bandwagon. He has commented on the fitness of the young wicketkeeper-batsman.
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Reviewing India’s impressive 82-run win against South Africa on his YouTube channel, Kaneria also spoke about Pant’s performance behind the wicket. Former cricketer saw that stand-in India The captain has put on weight and being heavy he is not allowed to sit while he is against the fast bowlers.
“When a fast bowler bowls, Rishabh Pant does not go down on his toes; He remains standing. Maybe because being overweight or heavy doesn’t give her that much time to get up early. It is a matter of concern about his fitness. Is he 100% fit? But when it comes to his captain, the bowlers and batsmen including Hardik and Karthik have supported him very well. Pant also has a chance to become the first captain to win the T20 series against South Africa.
Kaneria heaped praise on Hardik Pandya and Dinesh Karthik for their remarkable contribution. Karthik scored his maiden T20I half-century while Pandya scored 46 runs as the duo shared a 65-run stand for the fifth wicket.
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Riding on their partnership, the hosts chased down a target of 170 runs for the Proteas. In reply, the hosts suffered the biggest defeat in the chase against India. Temba Bavuma & Co were reduced to 87/9 (with the captain retired hurt), their lowest score in the format.
“India were struggling big time but Hardik and Karthik helped the team reach 169. Kartik loves to sweep and use his feet. Everything was going on its own way. It was a ‘DK Day’. He batted with maturity. Hardik also showed responsibility, he started cautiously but gave big hits in the end. He played a gem of an innings,” said Kaneria.
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