'I can only think about giving my 100 per cent as a player and captain,' Pant after a rain-washed decider against SA

Yesterday (June 19) ended an intriguing and intense T20I series between India and South Africa, but with no result. The reason would be the fifth and decider match getting washed out at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru and the series ended as a draw at 2-2.

Rishabh Pant, the Indian wicket-keeper batter, was given the captaincy torch for the first time. Though his first series as a captain ended with a draw, many have hailed the budding captain's fighting spirit for leading the team. From losing the first two matches to winning the next two crucial ones in style, the team's efforts have led the scorecard to end in 2-2. 

On the series result, Rishabh Pant said, "It might get a little bit frustrating, but there are a lot of positives, especially the way the whole team showed character after the series was 2-0. We are trying to find different ways of winning matches. We are trying to play in a new way. Mistakes will happen, but we are going in the right way."

Also, with losing five consecutive and all tosses of the series, Rishabh Pant has his say on it, "I think this is the first time I've lost this many tosses at the same time, but it's not in my control, so I'm not thinking about it too much." 

When asked about the Indian captain's current form, as it has been a talking point, he said, "From a personal point of view, I would like to contribute more to make my team win. I can only think about giving my 100 per cent as a player and captain."

Meanwhile, the Proteas stand-in captain, Keshav Maharaj, who had substituted the full-captain, Tembe Bavuma, citing an injury, had his say after the match got called off due to rain. 

"Very disappointed we didn't get a full game for the end of an exciting tour. We tried a few combinations. Still a work in progress for Australia. You may still see changes. I am sure the future series against India will be interesting as this one. We carried our confidence from past tours, and at the same time, we didn't want to take anything for granted." said the South African all-rounder. 

India's set-pacer, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, was adjudged the 'Player of the Series' after bagging six wickets for just 85 runs in the whole series, with the best figure of 4/13. 

After winning the award, Kumar said, "When you get Man of the Series, it's always a proud moment, and as a bowler in T20, it's even better. I'm always focused on getting back stronger, whether it's my bowling or my fitness. I'm playing for years now, my role has always been the same. Bowl two in the powerplay, bowl two at the end. These things are always the same, but as a senior, I always think about helping the youngsters. I've been lucky that the captain has given me the full hand and said do what you want. In that regard, I've been blessed."

With the rain winning the decider and just 3.3 overs of play, the India vs South Africa T20I series ended in a draw with 2-2.