Port Elizabeth not a happy hunting ground for Team India

Virat Kohli and co. have looked an assured unit for most part of this ODI series. After the dismal performances in the first two Tests, the ‘colourful clothing’ has transformed this Indian side, unleashing these ruthless monsters who have stuck to their task of running over the opposition.

But the 4th ODI was different as India looked a little flustered, first by the rain and then by the mini-attack from AB de Villiers.

Yuzvendra Chahal who hadn’t been attacked until now was taken to the cleaners by ABD and that little self-doubt that Chahal had in his mind amplified to constantly trouble him.

India lost the 4th ODI rather comprehensively, as they were pushed out of their comfort zone, and their record at Port Elizabeth doesn’t really provide them with a lot of comfort before the 5th ODI.

Indi have played 4 times at this venue and have lost all 4 teams, and that too under 4 different captains(Mohammad Azharuddin, Sourav Ganguly, Virender Sehwag and MS Dhoni).

Kohli, who in on a mission to right the wrongs of the yesteryears, will be looking to take this challenge head on. But, more players will have to step up now, as Dhawan, Kohli and the wrist spinners have been doing the bulk of the work in the first 4 ODIs.

The batsmen especially will need to step up during the 5th ODI, as no Indian team has been able to score in excess of 200 at this ground.

Also, with the wrist spinners being found out in the last ODI, Virat Kohli will need Bumrah, Bhuvi and Pandya to step up and deliver during the initial and the death overs.

The 5th ODI begins at 4:30 pm tomorrow!

About the author

Utkarsh Bhatla