India vs South Africa T20Is: The Indian Cricket Team Players' Report Card

There were many positives for the Indian cricket team in the recently-concluded T20I series against South Africa, as were the negatives. While KL Rahul was ruled out on the eve of the series, the contest saw the emergence of a new captain in Rishabh Pant. The young Indian side initially struggled to find a solid footing but gradually recovered to level the series 2-2. Though rain forced the fifth match to be abandoned as the series was shared by the two teams, there was lot to look forward to for the hosts. Here we take a look at the hits and misses for Team India in the series.

Ishan Kishan

Matches - 5, Runs - 206

The left-handed power-hitter is striving to be the third back-up opener when seniors like Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul return to the T20I side. Statistically, he did himself a world of good as he finished as the top-scorer in the five-match contest. However, out of his 200-plus runs 76 came in the first game.

Ruturaj Gaikwad

Matches - 5, Runs - 96

This was one golden opportunity for the right-handed opener to push his case in the absence of seniors. He squandered the opportunity big-time. Only in the third T20I, where the Chennai Super Kings player scored 57 off 35 balls, he did justice to his talent.

Shreyas Iyer

Matches - 5, Runs - 94

Again, a lot of was expected of him in the absence of Suryakumar Yadav. He got enough opportunities at the No. 3 slot but barring a 36 in the first T20I and a 40 in the second T20I, his contribution was barely noticeable. India lost both the matches. It remains to be seen if the team management continues to give him a long rope at the No. 3 or No. 4 positions once SKY returns.

Rishabh Pant

Matches - 5, Runs - 58

As the India captain he oversaw India's brilliant comeback after