Following a three-match Test series loss by 1-2, team India lost the second ODI match against South Africa to concede the ODI series with one more match left to go. South Africa has now taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the 3-match ODI series, with the dead rubber – final ODI match set to be played on Sunday.
After opting to bat first, KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan stitched a solid partnership of 50 runs before the latter was dismissed. Virat was also sent back for a duck in the very next over. KL Rahul was then joined by Rishabh Pant to revive the innings.
Rishabh Pant walked out to bat at number 4 and took the innings by storm. The stylish keeper-batter scored 85 runs in just 71 balls in Paarl as he missed his maiden ODI century by a few runs. His stunning knock was laced with 10 boundaries and two sixes.
But soon wickets bundled again, as Pant, Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer fell within a short span of time. India’s ship was then steadied by Shardul Thakur and Venkatesh Iyer. While Iyer was stumped on 22 but Thakur went on to play a stellar knock. Thakur scored a quick-fire 40 runs off 38 balls that included 3 fours and 1 six.
Later, while chasing the target score Quinton de Kock and Janneman Malan walked out with all-guns-blazing as they put up a 132-run stand for the opening wicket. Team India’s bowlers looked miserable as they could barely make an impact. De Kock fell for 78 while Malan was dismissed on 91. However, the wickets came too late. Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Dussen took the team home.
Meanwhile, the fans were left heartbroken after team India’s defeat as they started trolling Pant left, right, and center.
Here, check out the reactions of Twitterati on this:
India’s template in white ball cricket is outdated, to put it mildly.
— Nikhil Naz (@NikhilNaz) January 21, 2022
I’m saying it again, KL Rahul isn’t a captaincy material, neither a good opener in ODIs. Refrain yourself from giving him such duties.
— Shivani Shukla (@iShivani_Shukla) January 21, 2022
Time to look beyond some of these bowlers in white ball cricket. In a T20 world year when bilateral ODI cricket has very little significance India should try newer bowlers rather than going back to Bhuvi et al.
— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) January 21, 2022
India’s white ball bowling will need a real re-think ahead of the two ICC events. It’s not the same luxury as in red ball cricket. #IndvSA
— Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) January 21, 2022
Only two things to cheer about for India. Bumrah is in a different league and Pant produced an innings of great class.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 21, 2022
Truth is bitter
– A country that has commercialized the game is now paying the price. Keep money and game separately.
– By running the biggest league doesn’t mean to automatically expect to win as well
– Media hype doesn’t make average cricketers successful cricketers #INDvsSA— Daily Stock Picks (@kamran13) January 21, 2022
For the first time since Jan 2015 India lost all the series of a tour
*India never lost all the series of a tour under VIRAT KOHLI pic.twitter.com/leTkhWWK27
— Gaurav (@Kohli4ever) January 21, 2022
India’s Last 6 ODIs in SA
Under Kohli’s Captaincy
W W W L W WNot Under Kohli’s Captaincy
L L L L L L*#INDvsSA— S H E B A S (@Shebas_10) January 21, 2022
Thanks for making India PBKS
Silencing captaincy doesn’t matter merchants pic.twitter.com/HExai0898Z— Harry?? (@Harrythegreeaat) January 21, 2022
South Africa have won every run chase by 7 wickets. Two tests and now this ODI #SAvIND
— Gaurav Kalra (@gauravkalra75) January 21, 2022
If someone had told me that India would begin 2022 with defeats in Test and ODI series in South Africa, I would have just laughed at that prediction. But, cricket Hai. Still tough to digest results. #CricketTwitter #SAvsIND
— R P Singh रुद्र प्रताप सिंह (@rpsingh) January 21, 2022
Indian ODI strategy needs a bit of rejig. Interesting to see if India looks to change their tactics & what they’re looking at. India’s inability to pick wickets in the PP hurting them. In the 2 games spin hasn’t had a telling impact.11-40 overs is a pet peeve in batting & bowling
— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) January 21, 2022
It is not so much that we beat India, but rather it is the fact that this wasn’t even close. A stunning result… #INDvSA #SAvIND
— Siyabonga Mthobisi Mchunu (@BestRockingNews) January 21, 2022
India’s template in white ball cricket is outdated, to put it mildly.
— Nikhil Naz (@NikhilNaz) January 21, 2022
