South Africa desperately need their star batsman back in the fold, as their poor performance with the bat in the second ODI versus India saw them post their lowest ODI total in their home country.
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India’s latest spin duo were on fire in the second ODI at Centurion, as the pair picked up eight wickets between them. Chahal picked up his maiden five-wicket haul, as the hosts were bundled out for a paltry 118.
Kuldeep was also brilliant with the ball, as he was unlucky to pick up just three wickets today. Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar picked up a wicket each, as the bowlers put India in a superb position to go 2-0 up in the series.
The Indians were rampant in reply, as Rohit and Dhawan gave India a wonderful start. Rohit in particular looked in good touch, as he pulled Morne Morkel for a supreme six into the stands.
Dhawan was excellent again, as the opener scored a fluent fifty to give India a great start. Kohli continued from Durban, as the Indian skipper was hardly troubled by the African pacers.
The only bowler who troubled the Indian batsmen was Rabada, as the fiery fast bowler beat the Indian batsmen on a few occasions. Rabada once hit Kohli on the body as the Indian skipper went for a pull shot. Then again, Kohli responded the very next ball when he hooked the bowler into the stands!
After the match, question were raised about the South African’s batting line-up, and everyone invariably wanted to know when AB de Villiers would be back.
AB was seen playing golf recently, something that did not go well with some fans. But the team doctor was not worried, and took it as a good sign.
“Golf is very different to cricket and his injury is healing. If he could play 18 rounds of golf, without complaining of pain, it’s a positive sign for us,” he told Sportstar.
“Once you have got an injury and you are out of the squad, you will be on your own with your franchise. You will be free to pursue any other activity you would like to, but obviously, we would appreciate not engaging in any activity as it is risky.”
“We expect him to return in probably two weeks time, but we are also going to take it as it comes. A decision will be made closer to the fourth ODI. He clearly won’t be ready for the ODI in Cape Town on Wednesday, but we will try to get him ready for the pink ODI,” he added.
