IND vs SA: It Was A Decision In Your Hands- Zaheer Khan Says Of Rishabh Pant's Failure To Give Yuzvendra Chahal His Full Quota Of Overs

Zaheer Khan believed that stand-in captain Rishabh Pant made a calculated error by just not allowing Yuzvendra Chahal his full quota of four overs in the T20I series opener against South Africa on Thursday.

Following India’s seven-wicket loss to South Africa, Zaheer said on Cricbuzz that Chahal might have swung the match in the hosts’ favour. He believes the shrewd leg-spinner may have offered a wicket in the second half of the pursuit.

Chahal seems to have the potential to recover after a few expensive overs, according to the former cricketer. That’s why he believes Pant should really have thrown the ball to him while David Miller and Rassie van der Dussen were ripping apart the Indian bowling.

“Rishabh Pant and coaching staff would discuss not using Yuzvendra Chahal’s complete quota of overs. He’s done it before. We’ve witnessed Chahal have a bad day, but he has the capacity to recover quickly and have that game-changing performance” Zaheer Khan said.

‘This match has set the tone for this series’: Zaheer Khan

After their outstanding batting showing in the first innings, Zaheer Khan remarked that it appeared that Team India will win the five-match T20I series. He said that, after South Africa’s energetic effort, it now appears that the two teams are willing to be in a tough struggle.

He stated, “It’s been an incredible beginning to the series, and it’s really come alive. This Indian team suddenly has a serious challenger. The battle between bat and ball will be spectacular. This match has established the tone for the rest of the series. We’ll have to wait and see what the Indian squad reacts.”

On Sunday, June 12, India and South Africa will continue their battle. The teams will face off in the second T20I of the series at Cuttack’s Barabati Stadium.

Also Read: IND vs SA: It Is One Of The Proudest Moments For Me – Rishabh Pant On Leading India