South African batter Rassie van der Dussen believes Rishabh Pant’s dismissal after a spat in Johannesburg was a massive moment in the series.
Rassie van der Dussen got under the skin of Rishabh Pant while fielding at short leg and the southpaw decided to take the attack against Kagiso Rabada after exchanging a few words with the South African fielder.
Pant could only manage an outside edge to South African wicket-keeper Kyle Verryenne after he stepped out of his crease to play a big shot. Thus, South Africa was able to bounce back in the contest as Rabada accounted for Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, and Rishabh Pant before the Lunch break in the second Test of the series.
Pant’s shot selection was criticized heavily by all the experts as it was not the need of the hour after India had lost two quick wickets. Ergo, Pant’s dismissal shifted the momentum towards South Africa and the home side was able to capitalize on the same.
“It was a moment of me asking Rishabh (Pant) a few questions. Maybe he didn’t enjoy it too much. I’m not sure why. But there was certainly no hostility from my end. Maybe the way he took it – offense is taken and not given,” Van der Dussen told ESPNCricinfo.
“I was at a nice position at short leg. I had access to him in that sense. And I could ask him a few questions. There was never any hostility. And from there, it just sort of blew up. When I went out to bat, they reciprocated quite nicely. It’s part of the game. It’s Test cricket. It’s tough out there, and everyone’s trying to level basically to gain an inch.
Van der Dussen added the ploy to poke Rishabh Pant worked in their favor and he was delighted that he got what he was looking for as the left-hander lost his focus.
“I don’t know if he would have played that shot if I wasn’t there or if I didn’t say anything. I know by nature he is that sort of player. In hindsight, it actually worked out very well for us, because I think that was a massive moment in the Test series for sure,” he said.
It was definitely a turning point of the game as Pant has the skills to turn the match on its head. India went on to lose that match by seven wickets as South Africa was able to chase down 240 runs.
India and South Africa will now take on each other in three-match ODI series.
