‘I Can’t Fathom Why Axar Patel Wasn’t Awarded An Over At That Particular Moment’- Ashish Nehra Criticises Rishabh Pant’s Decision Making In The 2nd T20I

IND vs SA Live Update: On June 12, former India bowler Ashish Nehra voiced his concerns about Rishabh Pant’s decision to not bowl Axar Patel in the early stages of the second Twenty20 International that India played against South Africa. In the 12th over, the left-arm spinner replaced Chahal and bowled one over against Heinrich Klassen, during which he allowed 19 runs to be scored. In the end, the Proteas were able to chase down 149 runs without much difficulty and seized a 2-0 lead in the five-game series.

After the conclusion of the powerplay, South Africa was in a state of disarray with a score of 29-3 as a result of the amazing spell bowled by Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Then, Yuzvendra Chahal was immediately included in the assault.

Klaasen and Temba Bavuma, both right-handed batsmen, were trying to form a partnership. The decision to allow Hardik Pandya and Harshal Patel an extra over was made by the team’s skipper, Rishabh Pant. The batsmen had already established themselves and were in the middle of a productive partnership when Axar Patel was allowed to take over with the ball.

IND vs SA Live Update: Ashish Nehra criticises Rishabh Pant’s decision making

Nehra said the following on Cricbuzz, about the fact that the left-arm spinner should have been brought in earlier by the captain:

“The circumstances in Vizag will determine whether or not there will be changes to the playing eleven. Rishabh Pant has to look at it as well since he has been holding Axar Patel back for so long. At that time, there were two batsmen who batted right-handed. I can’t fathom why Axar Patel wasn’t awarded an over at that particular moment.”

After the 11th over, while Klaasen was batting, he had scored 31 runs off of 24 deliveries, and he attacked Axar Patel. At the Barabati Stadium, the wicket-keeper batsman finished the game with an 81-run performance, which won the match for his team. Against the spinner, he hit three fours and a six.

Since taking over as captain of the Indian team, Rishabh Pant has already experienced two losses. After suffering a defeat in the first match, which took place in Delhi on June 9, India is now down in the series by a score of 2-0.