South Africa took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series by cruising to a 134-run win over India in the second ODI at Kingsmead on Sunday.
South Africa took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series by cruising to a 134-run win over India in the second ODI at Kingsmead on Sunday. The batsmen failed to put up a strong performance. We take a look at the reasons that could have mattered for the downfall…
Bowlers shame again
Even though India will be ‘proud’ of not allowing the Proteas to post another 300 on the scoreboard, their bowlers failed to put on a show. Indian bowlers failed to use the overcast conditions to their use as Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock ran riot.
Star batsmen fail:
It seems Dale Steyn’s words have come true afterall when the former said that the Indian batsmen were ‘scared’ of their bowlers. It really looked liked on the pitch when the likes of Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli were bundled up rather quickly by the Proteas’ bowlers.
Overconfidence, may be!
Team India went into this series as ranked as number one in ODIs with South Africa ranked as 5th. Also, many ex-cricketers gave India the ‘favourites tag’ but AB de Villiers’ men showed who were the favourites afterall.
Lack of planning
MS Dhoni and Duncan Fletcher seem to have undeprepared for this tour. Where the seamers failed, the spinners too were flak with their performances. Also, with using Virat Kohli as a part timer, showed how Dhoni has lost trust in his pacers.
Why was Ajinkya Rahane NOT used earlier?
Mumbai batsmen Ajinkya Rahane finally made an ODI apperance in the 2nd ODI but failed to light up the scoreboard. Mahi’s selection dilemma is growing and it showed when he made 3 changes at Kingsmead.
