Key Takeaways From India's Second ODI Match Against South Africa

In the second ODI played between South Africa and India at the same venue, Boland Park in Paarl, South Africa won by 7 wickets and built an unassailable lead of 2-0 in the 3-match series. With this, the former captain Virat Kohli remains the only Indian captain to win an ODI series in South Africa. 

South Africa have now defeated India in the last four matches - 2 tests and 2 ODIs. Both pair of wins in the different formats have registered the series win for a South African squad that is going through a transition period. India after opting to bat first, posted 287/6 in 50 overs, courtesy of half-centuries by KL Rahul (55) and Rishabh Pant (85). However, the hosts overpowered with openers Janneman Malan (91) & Quinton de Kock (76) and Markram and van der Dussen watchfully guided the team over the winning line. 

There were a few takeaways for a team India which is trying to fight the right combination for their ODI team. 

1. India has found its number four batter?

Rishabh Pant smashed 85 runs from 71 balls after he came on to bat at #4 after India lost two early wickets in the form of Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli who smashed the fifties in the last match. Pant showed rare maturity as he held one end as he stitched a partnership of 115 runs in 111 balls with captain and opener KL Rahul.

Pant contributed heavily with the bat, scoring 83 runs of the 115 run-partnership with KL Rahul, in just 65 balls. This is a positive message for the Indian team who were struggling to find a reliable and regular number four, as Rishabh Pant now looks able to hold the position. 

2. Shardul Thakur to bat at #7?

Shardul Thakur continued his good batting run as he smacked an unbeaten knock of 40 runs in 38 balls. In the first ODI as well the all-rounder went without being dismissed at 50 from 43 balls. 

Indian team would take a huge sigh of relief if Thakur continues this good form, given that the Indian team has been struggling to find a good finisher at #7 since MS Dhoni's retirement. Thakur was promoted up the order ahead of Ravi Ashwin and this shows the Indian team has started trusting his batting abilities. 

3. Venkatesh Iyer - The sixth bowling option

Contrary to the first ODI, in this match, Venkatesh Iyer was given the ball in the 2nd ODI. The young all-rounder was given the 23rd over, right after India got their first wicket in the form of Quinton de Kock after the hosts had already put up 132 runs. 

Venkatesh Iyer bowled 5 overs in the innings in which he went for 28 runs and without a wicket. However, these are bright signs for India as they have been feeling Hardik Pandya's absence in the squad. 

Iyer scored 22 runs off 33 balls in which he struck a six while batting. If the 27-year old can bowl 5 overs and provide a wicket in the middle overs, as well as bat down the order, then team India can finally get a proper all-rounder as a backup for the injury-prone Hardik Pandya going into the T20 World Cup 2022 and the 50-over World Cup in 2023. 

4. Time's up for Bhuvneshwar Kumar?

India has been constantly struggling to pick up wickets inside the first 10 overs. Indian bowlers have failed to provide a wicket early on which has made it difficult for the Indian team to defend par totals. 

Bhuvneshwar Kumar was quite ordinary in his bowling as he went wicketless in his 8 overs, conceding 67 runs. His economy of 8.40 also helped South African batters to take on the pacer easily. Jasprit Bumrah on the other hand was quite impactful in his bowling as he gave away just 37 runs in his 10 overs, and picked up the wicket of Janneman Malan.

Bhuvneshwar couldn't help Bumrah in creating the pressure and helping India put the hosts on the backfoot. The 31-year old remained wicketless in the first ODI as well, conceding 64 runs in 10 overs. As hurtful as it may sound, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who once was India's strike bowler in the mandatory powerplays, needs to be replaced either by Mohammad Siraj or Prasidh Krishna who can prove more useful for the Indian attack with their pace. 

Also Read: Ashes 2021-22 - England vs Australia Schedule and Squads

India will take on South Africa in the final ODI of the three-match series on Sunday (January 23rd). This match will be played at Newlands, Cape Town. Indian team may make some bowling changes to try the bench and would be playing to avoid a clean sweep in the series.