MS Dhoni watched from the 22 yards distance as his heir apparent Pant showed spunk in a tricky situation, guiding India to a comfortable 7-wicket victory against New Zealand in the second T20I.
The chase was set up by skipper Rohit Sharma (50 off 29 balls) in company of Shikhar Dhawan (30, 31 balls) with a 79-run stand after Krunal Pandya got three wickets to restrict the hosts to 158/8.
With whirlwind fifty, Rohit also became the top run-getter in the format, surpassing Martin Guptill.
Earlier, Krunal enhanced his already growing reputation as a steady short format bowler with three important breakthroughs as India restricted New Zealand to a below-par 158/8.
At 50 for 4, it was De Grandhomme, who took charge as he attacked Yuzvendra Chahal (0/37 in 4 overs), hitting him for a couple of sixes.