KL Rahul Made A Big Statement After ODIs Defeat Against SA: The Indian cricket team was thrashed for the fourth time in a row by the South African team in the ongoing tour to the rainbow nation. Proteas has now taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the ongoing 3-match ODI series.
After opting to bat first, the Indian batters were seen struggling against the Proteas bowlers. Only Rishabh Pant, who played a stunning knock of 85 runs was able to get going against the hosts. Shardul Thakur also played a crucial knock as he scored a quick-fire 40 runs off 38 balls that included 3 fours and 1 six.
Later, the Indian bowlers looked toothless against Proteas batters as they could barely make an impact.
That’s that from the 2nd ODI.
South Africa win by 7 wickets and take an unassailable lead of 2-0 in the three match series.
Scorecard – https://t.co/CYEfu9Eyz1 #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/TBp87ofgKm
— BCCI (@BCCI) January 21, 2022
Speaking about the defeat, KL Rahul stated that their opponents brought their A-game but also insisted that the team has a lot to improve. He said:
“They are playing some really good cricket at home and we are making mistakes as well in the middle. Good learning for us. Obviously not great to be on the losing side two games in a row,”
Rahul also talked about how there is a need to build a partnership just like what Proteas did. He also talked about team India’s struggling middle-order, which has been weak in all formats at the moment. He said:
“(Changes to your side?) Not with individuals but we’re trying to get better at things we haven’t done well in the past. I spoke about partnerships earlier. The middle-order is crucial going into a big tournament,”
He added:
“We want to get wickets in the middle, create pressure. I don’t think it was a pitch they could have chased down 280 that easily but credit to them, they batted well. They showed us the importance of partnerships and the importance of putting pressure early,”
? RESULT | #PROTEAS WON BY 7 WICKETS
An innings anchored by the opening pair of de Kock (78) and Malan (91) see the #Proteas over the line to claim victory in the Second Betway ODI and secure a series win over India? #SAvIND #BePartOfIt #BetwayODISeries | @Betway_India pic.twitter.com/RM5fo383gv
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) January 21, 2022
Furthermore, KL Rahul also talked about the positives from the match for the Men in Blue. He lauded Virat Kohli, Rishabh Pant, Shikhar Dhawan, and Jasprit Bumrah’s performances in the game. He said:
“The way Virat and Shikhar batted in the first game. The way Rishabh batted today. Not easy to come in with two down. He’s a really important member of the team. Shardul has been hitting the ball well at the end and he’s showing us he can bat. Jasprit Bumrah is obviously phenomenal. Continues to be the standout bowler of the team,”
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.
