India may have lost KL Rahul early in the run-chase in the first ODI while chasing South Africa’s 297 runs, but they were striding at one point of the game at 138/1. Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli looked in extremely good nick and a lengthy partnership was brewing.
However, the Proteas bowlers stuck to their plans and ended up outfoxing the senior batters which opened the floodgates for a batting collapse. India were reduced to 188 for 6 in no time and the hosts secured a comfortable 31-run win to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Former Team India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has credited South Africa for the tactical brilliance shown against India at the Boland Park in Paarl. “That’s what surprised me quite a bit. That’s not what the Indian batters are known for. I think credit also to the South African team for sticking to their plans. You had Markram (Aiden) bowling for five overs, we were hoping that he would bowl a couple of overs and then he would be taken off.
“Even somebody like a Keshav Maharaj spinning the ball that way and Bavuma (Temba) persisting with that plan and inviting Virat Kohli to play in an area he is not comfortable. You talk of Rishabh Pant being stumped down the leg side. Again, smart understanding between the bowler and wicketkeeper. Also, Venkatesh Iyer and Shreyas Iyer being tested with those short balls,” said Bangar.
With Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli departing after scoring half-centuries, the onus was on the middle-order of Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer and Venkatesh Iyer but they failed to make a dent in the game. All three batters succumbed under pressure and ended up returning to the hut pretty quickly. The middle-order has been an area of concern for the side for a while now and Shikhar Dhawan mentioned that the youngsters will only learn with match experience.
“This (discussion) we have that play according to the situation and what the situation demands, keep the team ahead and an individual’s game is important,” Dhawan said at the post-match press conference.
“But at the same time be practical, how can you mould your game, so that when a partnership is needed, then it is necessary, all those things and I feel these gets refined with experience and time,” he further added.
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