It was a thriller at Manchester on the other night facing the New Zealand team. They showed what determination can do to a team. Though India lost the top-order early, it was a perfect chance for young Rishabh Pant and Hardik Pandya to show their calibre. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the case. Meanwhile, Kevin Pietersen calls Pant ”Pathetic” while Yuvraj Singh comes up with a kind reply.
Under pressure, Pant took his time to settle down and played a gritty knock to post a 47-run stand for the fifth wicket with Hardik Pandya (32). India were jolted early by the New Zealand pacers with the likes of Virat Kohli, KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma all getting dismissed one run apiece.
Pant came out to bat at no.4 with India struggling on 3/5 in 3.1 overs. He was looking in good touch before a rash shot against Mitchell Santner saw him getting caught by Collin de Grandhomme at deep mid-wicket.
Rishabh Pant played only 8 ODI games – Yuvraj Singh
It was the moment where the batsmen in the middle need to settle in and take the game close to the death overs. Unfortunately, the young blood, Rishabh Pant, couldn’t resist the same, as he lofted one straight to Colin in the deep.
The former England captain Kevin Pietersen, who had earlier backed Pant’s selection in the playing XI, was disappointed by the way he got out and criticised the left-hander. “How many times have we seen @RishabPant777 do that? The very reason he wasn’t picked initially! Pathetic!,” Pietersen tweeted.
Former Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh responding to the tweet, reminded Pietersen that Pant will only getter better with time. “He’s played 8 Odis! It’s not his fault he will learn and get better it’s not pathetic at all! However we all are entitled to share our opinions,” Yuvraj wrote while replying to Pietersen’s tweet
He’s played 8 Odis ! It’s not his fault he will learn and get better it’s not pathetic at all ! However we all are entitled to share our opinions ?
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) July 10, 2019
Kevin Pietersen understands:
The England batsman Kevin Pietersen replies back Yuvraj Singh stating that the tweet came out with frustration and gave a couple of good words to Rishabh Pant. He hopes for the better Pant in the future for India.
”My criticism comes out of frustration because of how good he is, mate. He does it sooooo many times! Let’s hope he learns FAST!”
I agree
— Yuvraj Singh (@YUVSTRONG12) July 10, 2019