After 0-2 Loss to South Africa, Rishabh Pant Issues Heartfelt Apology to Fans

India vice-captain Rishabh Pant has apologised to fans after India slumped to a 0-2 Test series defeat against South Africa.

India were blown away by 408 runs in the Guwahati Test, their heaviest loss by runs, with Pant leading the side in the absence of captain Shubman Gill. Pant endured a poor run with the bat, scoring just 49 runs in four innings at an average of 12.25, and faced questions over both his form and captaincy during the series.

In a long social media post, Pant admitted that India fell well short of their standards over the past two weeks. “There is no shying away from the fact that we didn’t play good enough cricket. We always want to perform at the highest level and bring smiles to billions of Indians,” he wrote.

He added that the team would learn from the setback and return stronger.

“Sorry we couldn’t live up to expectations this time. Sport teaches you to learn, adapt and grow. Representing India is the greatest honour of our lives… We will regroup, refocus and reset to come back stronger.” Pant also thanked supporters for their “unwavering love” and signed off with “Jai Hind”.

The wicketkeeper-batter will now turn his focus to the upcoming ODI series against South Africa, beginning November 30 in Ranchi.