Indian skipper Rishabh Pant urged the spinners to perform better in the next three matches against South Africa after losing the 2nd T20I game of their five-match series in Cuttack on Sunday. Two of India’s leading spinners Axar Patel and Yuzvendra Chahal gave uninspiring performances in the second match. Axar could be given only one over in which he leaked 19 runs. Chahal gave away 49 runs in four overs. In the two games, Axar has given away 59 runs in five overs while Chahal has been smashed for 75 runs in six overs.

“The spinners have (need) to come (perform) better into the game,” Pant said at the post-match presentation ceremony on Sunday. 

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The 24-year-old wicketkeeper-batter also admitted that a total of 148 for 6 was probably 15 runs short.

“I think (while) batting, we were 10-15 runs short. Bhuvi (Bhuvneshwar Kumar for his 4/13) and all other fast bowlers though bowled very well. We were short in the second half and the things did not go our way,” he said. 

“The bowlers started really well, but after 10-11 overs, we did not bowl well and that’s where the game changed. We thought we were going to do similar things (as the South African bowlers). In the last three matches, we will look to win,” he added. 

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Heinrich Klaasen, who smashed 81 runs off 46 balls, was given the Man of the Match award. 

“I am glad the knock came against India. I hope it extends my career longer. I haven’t performed well in the last couple of years. I am very happy and confident to be here,” Klaasen said.

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Klaasen was selected into the team as regular keeper Quinton de Kock sustained a wrist injury.

“Quinny (De Kock) came up to me two days back in the team bus and said he injured his wrists. I thought he is a strong character and he will be fine. But yesterday again, he said his hand is not fine. Yesterday morning, we came to training and the coach told me I might play.”