IND vs SA 2025: ‘Sorry we couldn’t live up to expectations this time’ – Rishabh Pant apologises to fans after India’s whitewash vs South Africa

India suffered a humiliating 0-2 whitewash in the two-match Test series against South Africa. Since then, severe criticism has been directed at the Indian players and the coaching staff. The debacle has also dented India’s hopes of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) final. With four wins and as many defeats in nine matches, their win percentage is a mere 48.15. The former finalists are stranded at No. 5 behind Australia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan.

Rishabh Pant, the vice-captain of the Indian Test team, also led the side in Shubman Gill’s absence in the second Test match. While India lost both games, Pant failed to impress with the bat, finishing with 49 runs in four innings at an average of 12.25.

Less than 24 hours removed from the defeat in the second Test, the wicketkeeper-batter penned a heartfelt note, apologising to the fans as the Indian players failed to live up to their reputation.

“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. 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,” Pant wrote on Instagram.

Pant said that playing for India is the greatest honour for the players. He thanked the fans for their unwavering support and promised to learn from the mistakes and bounce back strongly in the future.

“Representing India is the greatest honour of our lives. 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. Thank you for your unwavering support and love!” Pant concluded.

The Delhi cricketer will now shift his focus to the 50-over format, as he has been named in India’s squad, which will face South Africa in a three-match series. The first ODI is set to be played in Ranchi on Sunday, November 30.