It seems Indian batsmen weren’t only struggling on the field but out of the 22 yards as well during the third T20I against South Africa in Bangalore on Sunday (September 22).

After the dismissal of opener Shikhar Dhawan, both Shreyas Iyer and Rishabh Pant headed towards the pitch to bat at No. 4. Apparently, it was the “miscommunication” between both the players before Pant eventually walked in to join skipper Virat Kohli at the crease.

Unfortunately for India, Pant (19) and Iyer (5) got out in consecutive deliveries off Bjorn Fortuin as the hosts managed to post a paltry 134/9 in 20 overs, which the Proteas chased it down with 9 wickets in hand and 19 balls to spare.

Addressing the press conference after the match, India captain Virat Kohli was asked about the same and he replied: “I think there was a miscommunication. That was what I understood afterwards. The batting coach had a word with both of them. There was a misunderstanding over who has to go at what stage.”

“It was a little funny as well afterwards because they both wanted to walk in. So it would have been very funny if both reached the pitch, you know three batsmen in the field,” he added.

Asked who was actually supposed to bat at number four, Kohli said they “had plans” according to phases.

“I think after 10 overs what we had decided was that Rishabh would walk in, and before that, Shreyas had to walk in. But I think both of them got confused and didn’t realise who has to walk in at what stage of the game,” he revealed.

(With PTI inputs)