"He will do better" - Bhuvneshwar Kumar backs Rishabh Pant ahead of 2nd T20I against SA

India lost the first match of the five-match T20I series against South Africa, and with that loss, the winning streak of 12 consecutive matches was also broken. 

It was also the captaincy debut for the wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant. However, it didn't go well, and some miscalculation while defending the target and a poor show by the bowler cost India the match.

But still, there are four matches left and India has a tendency to lose the first match and then come back in the series. But they have to pull their shocks against a spirited and strong South Africa.

Both teams will lock horns on Sunday at Barabati Stadium, Cuttack. The home team will look to level the series and some changes are expected in the lineup.

Pant faced a backlash after India lost the match while defending a big total of 212 runs. As a result, the veteran Indian pacer, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, has backed the wicket-keeper for the upcoming games.

In the pre-match presentation, Bhuvi said that Pant is still young and it was his first game, so it happens with everyone, but he will improve in the coming games. He said that it was not only his fault; the bowlers didn't bowl well.

The pacer also added that if all Pant's decisions had brought wickets, then everybody would have praised him, but it didn't happen and everyone is criticising him.

He concluded, "But I think, it is up to the bowling team on how the captain looks. We did not perform well as a bowling unit."

However, India started well and also took three wickets within 10 overs, but then the partnership between David Miller and Rassie van der Dussen took the match away from India. Speaking of Barabati Stadium, India have played two T20I matches there and they have won one match each. 

Notably, both teams have also met here once, but that was won by South Africa. So it will be interesting to see how India will go about its business. On the other hand, the visitors will be looking to win and take a 2-0 lead to make life difficult for the home team.