We need to be clear with our mindset – Rishabh Pant on India’s series defeat against South Africa

India went down to South Africa for a second consecutive time in Tests as they had to suffer the fate of a second whitewash at home in a span of one year. A batting debacle led to Indian collapse as they were bundled out for 140 while chasing a mammoth target of 549.

Talking at the post-match presentation, India captain Rishabh Pant opened up on the dynamics of the game while acknowledging South Africa's sensational performance. Pant also underlined the changes that India should consider making in the forthcoming days.

Pant said, “Definitely it's a little disappointing, you know, but as a team we need to get better. And you've got to give credit to the opposition that they played better cricket than us. Because, you know, in a series like this, which has already been tough if you dwell too much, you've got to take the learning and stick as a team. Definitely they dominated the series, but at the same time you can't take cricket for granted.”

Pointing out what should be the way going forward, Pant added, “You're playing at home, but at the same time we need to be clear with our mindset. And there were moments in the game where we were up on the team, but we didn't capitalise it as a team. But, you know, in the future we're going to get better, learn from it and get better from it. No, they definitely played better cricket, but at the same time, you know, in cricket you can't take anything for granted.”

He further added, “You can play at home or away, but at the same time, you know, cricket demands that determination and that extra. And there are moments in the game where you need to capitalise as a team, as a batting unit. But as a team we didn't capitalise on those enough for a longer period of time, and that cost us the whole series.”

Pant concluded by stating, “I think the positive will be focusing on our own plan, and we need to be better with that. That's the only thing we're going to take from it.”