India captain Shikhar Dhawan said on Wednesday that Rishabh Pant is a "game winner" and has the full support of the team's management as he navigates through tough times. Dhawan also asked Sanju Samson to wait for his chance. Known for his flare, southpaw Pant fell short again when he dropped a rising delivery to depart for 10-16 as India were bowled out for 219 in the third and final ODI against New Zealand here on Wednesday.

"Generally, you have to see the big picture and who is the winner of your game. Analyze and make your decisions based on that," Dhawan said during the post-match interview.

Pant's scores in his last nine innings on the white-ball format were 10, 15, 11, 6, 6, 3, 9, 9 and 27. Samson, on the other hand, shone in limited opportunities and was brilliant in the home ODI against South Africa last month. The Kerala stumper emerged after scoring 36 in the first ODI in Auckland. Dhawan said that it is not difficult to be at the captain's feet when making tough choices, like picking Pant over Samson.

“Indeed, Sanju Samson made the most of every opportunity he got. "But sometimes you have to wait for your chance because another player is playing well and we know from his (Pant's) skill that he is a match winner. So you have to support him when he is -not good. "

Williamson was surprised

While talking to the press, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson said that it will be a challenge to face a team like India with a lot of skill. "The Indian team and the country are so talented that sometimes you are faced with a challenge where you have to consider different options," Williamson said.

"It's hard at times, it's a challenge, but one of those things. As a leader, you are part of certain decisions, you try to move forward as a collective."

India won the T20 match 1-0 while the visitors won the ODI by a huge margin. However, the Rains were clear winners in the six-match white ball series with three matches played. Associations were determined using the Duckworth/Lewis method.

"It's frustrating. We cannot control the rain. And yes, we have the opportunity and have the opportunity to express our weaknesses, where we can improve. We are considering all these factors and investigating," Dhawan said.

“Teamwork will be the best thing we have. The main team will now play in Bangladesh. But if one or two can get hurt, the experience will be useful there. Young players in this format will have a chance," said Dhawan, who is also in the ODI format under all-time pacer Rohit Sharma.

The series will begin on December 4.