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Former Pakistan bowler Danish Kaneria has criticised the current Indian captain Rishabh Pant for his wicketkeeping abilities. The leg-spinner addressed how the Delhi-born keeper doesn’t ‘squat lower’ while facing pacers. He then addressed how Pant seems to be ‘overweight’ which doesn’t allow him to move quickly. 

While speaking on his YouTube channel, Kaneria said, “I want to talk about Pant's wicketkeeping. I've noticed one thing – he doesn't squat lower and sits on his toes when a fast bowler is bowling. Seems like he is overweight and being bulky doesn't give him that much time to come up quickly. It raises concern over his fitness." 

"Is he 100 per cent fit? But when it comes to his captain, bowlers and batters including Hardik and Karthik have supported him well. Pant also has a chance to become the first captain to win a T20 series against South Africa,” added the former Pakistan spinner.

I think when the match gets tight, he panics a bit: Jaffer

Similarly, former Indian opening batter Wasim Jaffer also called out Pant for his drawbacks as a captain. Jaffer talked about how the Delhi Capitals captain tends to panic in tense situations of a game. While speaking on ESPNCricinfo, he said, “Yes, we saw something similar in the IPL as well. I feel the more he captains, the better he'll get.”

“But, yes, at this stage, I think when the match gets tight, he panics a bit.  To some extent, yes. Being 2-0 down in a five-match series, if even one of the next three goes even marginally bad [it will be curtains down].” 

“So India will have to play very good cricket irrespective of the toss. Yes, that's been the story so far. South Africa won both the tosses and both results went their way so India needs to win at least the next two tosses," he further said.

I can look to improve in certain areas: Pant

But addressing his critics, Pant talked about how he is looking to improve and focus on the positives. While speaking after the fourth T20I against South Africa, he said, "As an individual, I can look to improve in certain areas. Not too concerned though. Looking to take the positives and looking to improve. Let's see what happens in Bangalore. Looking forward to giving our 100 per cent."