On Sunday, Team India lost the dead-rubber third ODI against South Africa at Newlands, Cape Town, and could not recover their dignity. India lost by four runs, despite late miracles from Deepak Chahar. Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has blamed wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant for needlessly giving away his wicket during a crucial moment following India's whitewash in the just ended One Day International series.
After Shikhar Dhawan's wicket dropped in the 23rd over, the middle-order batsman moved to the middle. However, he attempted to make a statement right on by attempting a big shot off Andile Phehlukwayo, but he misplayed it and the ball went straight to Sisanda Magala at deep cover.
"Pant has disappointed me greatly. When they had proper batsmen in Suryakumar Yadav and Shreyas Iyer, he was sent two down. A wicketkeeper-batsman and a proper batsman are two different things. You must put your head down when a team is counting on you. On the first pitch, he walked out to Phehlukwayo. There is no real responsibility, in other words.
At the same time, the former spinner stated that the youngster needs to mature after failing to convert on a huge opportunity just a few days after scoring a match-winning 71-ball 85 in the previous game.
"Even the experts were unhappy with the manner in which he lost his wicket. He played well and scored runs throughout the series. He's a major figure in the game. He needs to grow up because he did not take advantage of a significant opportunity. When you play for your country at the international level, you have to be more responsible," he added.
From the non-strikers' end, Virat Kohli was seen looking angry at the stumper as a sad Pant walked back to the pavilion.