After getting whitewashed by South Africa in the recently-concluded 2-match Test series, India's vice-captain apologised to the fans for the team's dismal performances, saying that the unit will ‘regroup, refocus and reset.’ Pant stepped into the captain’s role in the second Test in Guwahati after regular skipper Shubman Gill was ruled out of the series due to a neck injury.

“There is no shying away from the fact that we didn’t play good enough cricket over the last two weeks. As a team and as individuals, we always want to perform at the highest level and bring smiles to billions of Indians,” Pant posted on X on Thursday.

“Sorry we couldn’t live up to expectations this time, but sport teaches you to learn, adapt and grow – both as a team and as individuals…We know what this team is capable of and we will work hard, regroup, refocus and reset to come back stronger and better as a team & individuals,” he added.

After losing the Kolkata Test a couple of weeks ago, India was absolutely battered by the Proteas in the second Test when they lost by a mammoth 408 runs. The latest Test completed a 0-2 whitewash for South Africa,  with India suffering the ignominy of getting clean swept again after losing 3-0 to New Zealand last year.

The loss triggered widespread criticism and discussion around the team’s performance and leadership, with fans booing coach Gautam Gambhir.

On Wednesday, Gill had also posted, “Calm seas don’t teach you how to st; e, it’s the storm that forges steady hands. We’ll continue to believe in each other, fight for each other, and move forward – rising stronger.”

Gill had retired hurt on four after suffering a neck spasm in India’s first innings of the Eden Test.
He was subsequently hospitalised and ruled out of the rest of the match. Gill had travelled to Guwahati but was released on the eve of the Test.Gill had travelled to Guwahati but was released on the eve of the Test.