Cricket

NZ v IND 2020 – Can’t Single Out Rishabh Pant, Batting Unit Failed Collectively – Virat Kohli

The Indian captain Virat Kohli has backed under-fire Rishabh Pant as he  stated that it would be wrong to single him out and the batting unit has failed collectively in the two-match Test series against New Zealand.

Pant was not included in the home season as Wriddhiman Saha was preferred because of his glovework. However, the Delhi-lad was the first choice keeper in the Test series against the Kiwis. But, the southpaw batsman failed to grab his chances as he could only manage 60 runs in the four innings at a paltry average of 15.

Pant could not show the right temperament with the bat as he failed to get going. The left-hander looked all at sea in the arduous New Zealand conditions and the hosts’ bowlers didn’t let him settle. But having said that, Pant was not the only Indian batter who struggled to find runs off his bat.

“You need to figure out when is the right time to give someone else a chance. If you push people too early, they can lose confidence,” Kohli said in the presser. “Collectively, we didn’t perform. I don’t believe in singling him (Rishabh) out. We take the hit together as a group whether it’s the batting group or as a team.”

“We have given him (Pant) a lot of chances in the home season as well starting from Australia. Then he was not playing for a bit. In turn he really worked hard on himself,” Kohli came to Pant’s defence after the series.

Kohli went on to add that nobody in the team takes their respective places for granted as they know the repercussions of bad performances. The Indian skipper added that the players have to earn their places and continue the hard work to keep their spots secure.

 “I don’t see anyone taking his place for granted in this team. That’s the culture we have set. People are told to take responsibilities and work hard. Whether it happens or not is a different thing. Then you can have a conversation with the players,” he said.

“But no one has come here thinking I am going to play every game or I am indispensable,” he added.

Kohli revealed that Pant was preferred for his attacking batsmanship and the impact he can make while batting down the order. The youngster had impressed on the tour of England (2018) and Australia (2018-19) as he had scored centuries in each one of them but it wasn’t to be the case here in New Zealand.

 “The time that he didn’t play, he really worked hard on his game. So we thought this is the right time because of his game and the way he plays because he can make a difference lower down the order.

“That was our plan behind it. We can’t really fluctuate when it comes to what we planned,” he added.

Rishabh Pant has received a lot of chances in the recent past and he would need to convert them to seal his place in the side. India will next host South Africa in a three-match ODI series, starting 12th of March.

 
Written by: Gautam Chauhan

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

“Never expected a very easy run” – Gautam Gambhir reflects on his tenure as coach after IND vs NZ 2024 Test series defeat

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has admitted that he never expected a very easy run… Read More

October 31, 2024

Probably has a lot to do with playing on flat wickets in T20 – Gautam Gambhir on decline of good defensive technique in Test cricket

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir feels T20 cricket has led to the downfall of a… Read More

October 31, 2024

India needs Mumbai Test win before Australia tour – Gautam Gambhir

Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir feels the Rohit Sharma-led team desperately needs to win the… Read More

October 31, 2024

I cannot say just the batters have let us down – Gautam Gambhir feels everyone should take responsibility for series loss against New Zealand

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir refused to blame the batters after the team’s 2-0 series… Read More

October 31, 2024

It was insane – Bronny James after scoring his first NBA bucket

Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James was on cloud nine after he managed to score… Read More

October 31, 2024

I’m happy with my team’s performance: Mohun Bagan SG head coach Jose Molina after win against Hyderabad FC

Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Jose Molina was delighted with the team’s performance after… Read More

October 31, 2024