India captain Rishabh Pant says he is looking forward to contributing more with the bat in the forthcoming Test match against England after the fifth and final T20I against South Africa was called out due to rain. Because the game was called off, the series is now tied at 2-2 and will be split between the two teams.
“There are several advantages. The team’s ability to show grit after falling down 2-0 was a significant plus. We’re in a good place because we’re figuring out new methods to win the game. As a player and captain, all I can think about is giving it my all. It is up to you to judge how I am doing as a player and captain; all I can do is give it my all every time I go onto the pitch and strive to improve “Pant remarked after the match was called off.
“This is the first time I’ve ever lost so many tosses, yet I can’t help it. We’ll be eager to win the Test we’ll play in England, and I’m eager to contribute more with the bat to the squad, ” he said.
On July 1, Team India and England will face off for the fifth Test, which was postponed because of COVID-19 in 2021. Both sides will play three One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and three Twenty-20 Internationals (T20Is).
India was 28/2 in 3.3 overs when the rain stopped play, with Shreyas Iyer (0*) and Rishabh Pant (1*).
READ MORE: Karthik and Avesh Khan shine as India defeats South Africa to level the series 2-2
South Africa chose to bat first, and India got off to a poor start. Ishan Kishan and Ruturaj Gaikwad were dismissed after scoring 15 and 10 runs in the first four overs. Lungi Ngidi, a Proteas bowler, dealt a significant blow to the Men in Blue by dismissing both openers during the powerplay.
Notably, India beat the Proteas by 82 runs in the fourth match to tie the series. When allowed to bat first, India scored 169/6 in 20 overs, thanks primarily to the efforts of Dinesh Karthik (55) and vice-captain Hardik Pandya (46). In response, SA was bundled out for just 87 points. Avesh Khan shone for Men in Blue with the ball, taking 4/18.
India will play Ireland in a two-match Twenty20 International series in Dublin on June 26 and 28.
