The 5-match T20I series between India and South Africa ended in a 2-2 draw. The last match of the series was inconclusive due to rain. Team India made a comeback in the series after going 0-2 down. Everyone appreciated the spirit of Team India. However, Rishabh Pant, who took charge of Team India against South Africa, faced criticism. Rishabh Pant scored just 58 runs in 5 matches in the series at an average of 14.50 and a strike rate of 105.45. He failed to score even a single half-century.
Rishabh Pant could not score a half-century even in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. Where he is facing criticism due to poor form. At the same time, the head coach of the team Rahul Dravid has come out in his support. He clarified on Sunday, 19 June 2022, that Rishabh Pant is a big and integral part of India’s plan in preparation for the T20 World Cup in Australia.
Rahul Dravid brushes aside Rishabh Pant’s critics in the press conference after the 5th T20I against South Africa. He said that Rishabh Pant is one of the key players of the team. Rahul Dravid said, ‘Pant personally would have liked to score a few more runs, but it is not a matter of his concern.’
Dravid said, ‘He is a big part of our plans in the next few months. I don’t want to criticize. In the middle overs, you need people who play aggressive cricket and take the match forward. Sometimes it is difficult to judge someone on the basis of 2 or 3 matches.
Rahul Dravid said that in terms of strike rate, Rishabh Pant’s IPL 2022 season has gone well. He also told the importance of Rishabh Pant in the white ball cricket team. “In the process of playing an aggressive game, he can go wrong in some matches, but he is an incomparable part of our batting line-up. They have strength. The big thing is that he is a left-handed batsman, which is important for us in the middle overs. He has played some good innings.