After the series-conceding defeat in the second ODI against South Africa, India wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant said that the difference between the two teams was far better middle-overs batting by the home side.

Having lost the first game by 31 runs, the visitors received a seven-wicket thrashing in the second ODI despite putting 287 runs on the board.

"The track was slightly on the slower side and at the same time, we had enough runs on the board," Pant, who scored 85, said after the match.

"Last match (first ODI), we chased and this match we batted first, so when they batted, the wicket was much better for batting. In the second innings, it became slower and slower as the game progressed.

"Today, it was the same but they batted well in middle overs that's why they chased down the target. We didn't get enough wickets in the middle overs," he said.

Pant acknowledged that Proteas spinners Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram and Tabraiz Shamsi bowled better than their Indian counterpart R Ashwin and Yuzvendra Chahal in the two games.

"I think they (SA spinners) were more consistent in their lines and lengths and they are used to playing in these conditions," he said.

According to Pant, the main reason for the defeat is lack of 50-over game time for a long duration.

"We are playing ODIs after a long time and lots of factors we can talk about but as a team, we are always looking to improve and hopefully, we will be able to rectify them in coming matches."

Pant dismissed queries about the poor form of veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

"As a team, we are always looking to improve and I don't think there is much concern about Bhuvi bhai's form. Obviously, we are playing ODI after a long time so we are just getting used to the momentum, obviously disappointed after losing the series but we are looking at ways to improve," he added.

Cape Town will host the third and final T20I on Sunday (January 23).

(With PTI inputs)