Last Updated on 4 months ago by Charbel Coorey
South Africa have come roaring back in the T20I series against India, exacting revenge with a thumping 51-run win at New Chandigarh.
Quinton de Kock set up the Proteas’ huge score of 213/4, smashing a 46-ball 90 that put India on the backfoot. Donovan Ferreira (30* off 16 balls) and David Miller (20* off 12 balls) ensured South Africa crossed 210 as India were uncharacteristically loose with the ball.
In reply, India were never in the contest despite Tilak Varma’s fighting 34-ball 62. Fans and pundits have again questioned Gautam Gambhir and the Indian team management with regards to their top three as Shubman Gill and Axar Patel didn’t have an impact.
Gill, who is without a T20I fifty in 14 matches this year, was out to a fine delivery first ball to Lungi Ngidi. With the likes of Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal capable openers in T20 cricket, pressure is growing on Gill to deliver in this format.
However, the decision that had Indian fans most concerned was batting Axar Patel at three. Axar, typically a number five or six, was sent ahead of Tilak, Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya in a chase of 214. The left-hander struggled for rhythm, batting 21 balls for 21 runs as wickets fell around him.
IND vs SA 2nd T20 Reactions: Fans, pundits question decision making in India’s T20 team
India boast a terrific 27-5 record in T20Is since winning the 2024 World Cup. Fans believe the constant tinkering and experimentation with batting orders is unneccessary given the talent available. Also, India never gave themselves a chance of chasing 210+ for the first time in T20Is.
“Trying to wrap my head around the move to promote Axar at 3 yesterday. One could understand if india were 25/3 and you wanted to stem the collapse. But at 3 while chasing 214? It also didn’t align with the left-right strategy,” wrote Aakash Chopra on X (formerly Twitter).
“How long a rope for Gill? Remember, you are keeping someone like Samson out of the XI,” wrote former India and Karnataka cricketer Dodda Ganesh.
Here are some of the reactions.
Another concern for India is Suryakumar Yadav. The captain has struck just 201 runs in T20Is this year at an average of 14.35 and strike rate of 126.41.
These next three T20Is against South Africa will be vital in regaining some form. Continuity in the batting lineup could prove key.
The third T20I will be played at Dharamsala on Sunday December 14.
