India in South Africa - The Hits and Pits

The recently concluded series of India and South Africa gained momentum in the Test matches, where there was a see saw battle for supremacy. Ultimately, South Africa pipped India in the 2nd test in a well fought encounter. India failed to win a single match on the tour, but they were showed some great courage and fight in the Tests, where they were expected to surrender meekly. Here are the highs and lows of the Indian tour to South Africa.

HITS

1) Mohammed Shami

Shami was the highest wicket taker in the ODI series and the most threatening bowler in the ODIs. His tally of 9 wickets at a strike rate of 18 has made him India’s frontline bowler in no time. With ability to swing the ball and keep a constant line and length, Shami has been the find of the tour.

2) The new Dravid, Tendulkar and Laxman

For long, these 3 greats have serviced India and have been the pillars of the batting, having saved and won matches aplenty. Everyone thought it would be next to impossible to fill in the gap left by these 3 greats. However, Pujara, Kohli and Rahane have shown immense potential to replicate what these 3 greats have done for India. Pujara, Kohli and Rahane were the top 3 run getters in the Test series, which shows that they have thew skill and mental ability to score big even in hostile conditions. The kind of temperament shown by these 3, in leaving the balls away from the off stump and concentrating hard on each delivery almost paved the path to India’s victory in the first test. It’s amazing for India to fill the gap left by the 3 most important batsman in such a strong manner.

3) Run outs

It was heartening to see the 2 direct run outs by Rahane at the most critical junctures of the 1st test. If Faff Du Plessis had not been run out at that moment, India would have had no chance of drawing the test. Gone are the days when India’s fielders would just do the job of picking the ball up and returning it to the bowler. With Rahane, Sharma, Kohli, Jadeja, Dhawan and Vijay, India has got a fielding unit hard to match.

PITS

1) ODI series

Absolutely nothing went right in the ODI series. With the batting disappointing the most, there was little chance India would have won the 3rd match, had it not rained. With the bowlers unable to take early wickets, South Africa made a huge total in every match. Maybe it was the initial blues of the tour and India were taking time to get adjusted to the conditions, but there was no fight shown in any of the matches.

2) R Ashwin

Rare is the sight of an Indian spinner going wicketless in an entire test match. Ashwin was heavily criticized for his lack of ability to perform abroad. It was a shame to see Ashwin not managing to trouble the Africans on the 5th day on a weary track. Clearly, he had to be benched for the last test which meant that India’s front line spin bowler could not be trusted on foreign soils

3) Opening, Rohit Sharma and Dhoni

Shikhar Dhawan failed to impress and cement his spot. Rohit Sharma had a very poor series, with Dale Steyn scoring more runs than him. Even Dhoni had a lackluster series. If it weren’t for Pujara, Kohli and Rahane, India would have not even come close to give a fight. The lower order batsman also failed to contribute

4) 5th Day, 1st Test match

India should have won it. No questions. The 1st test match was for the taking. A golden opportunity was squandered. The fact that India almost lost the game was more disappointing. With 458 to chase, on a 5th day track, with 8 wickets remaining, India if not winning, atleast could have not let Africa in with a chance. But if it weren’t for South Africa’s cowardly act, India would have easily lost the game. For India to be best side, it needs to learn how to close such games and not be complacent. The ‘go for the kill’ approach is always missing in the Indian team and especially Dhoni, who in Test matches opts for the safety approach first.