Player Ratings : Fifth ODI between India and South Africa

In the end, India were just too strong as their bowlers continued their dominance in the series. Kuldeep Yadav starred tonight, as he picked up four important wickets to rip the heart out of the South African batting line-up.

Virat Kohli’s ecstatic face told the entire story, as the Indian skipper kicked off the celebrations with the rest of his team mates.

This is a memorable moment for this team, as they have become the first Indian side to win a bilateral series in South Africa, which only guaranteed their rise to the top of the ODI rankings.

PLAYER RATINGS

Shikhar Dhawan – 7/10

The attacking batsman gave India a great start, as his confident stroke play took the pressure off Rohit Sharma. Dhawan continued his good form from the series, and was unfortunate to get out early on.

Rohit Sharma – 9/10

Man of the match, Rohit Sharma played a wonderful innings and silenced his critics with his 17th ODI century. After a scratchy start, Rohit gained in confidence and then started his assault on the South African bowlers.

Virat Kohli – 6/10

Kohli started off with a couple of brilliant drives, as he looked to impose himself early on. Unfortunately for Kohli, he was involved in yet another run-out with Rohit Sharma which cut short his brief stay on the pitch.

Ajinkya Rahane – 5/10

After a superb innings in the first ODI, Rahane had lost his way and needed to play a good hand in this match. But his mix-up with Rohit Sharma ended his hopes of getting some much needed runs, as he looks to cement his position in the Indian batting line-up.

Shreyas Iyer – 6/10

Iyer wasted a glorious opportunity to score big in South Africa, as he threw his wicket away just when he was looking good. He didn’t cover himself in glory when he dropped a simple catch in the field either.

Hardik Pandya – 8/10

After getting out for a golden duck, Pandya picked up two crucial wickets, including the prize scalp of AB de Villiers. Pandya then ran out with the dangerous Hashim Amla before capping off his night by taking a sensational one-handed catch.

MS Dhoni – 6/10

Another quite outing for Dhoni with the bat, as questions are once again being asked about his exact role in the batting line-up. He pulled off a smart stumping though!

Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 5/10

Not a great game for Bhuvi with the ball, as his poor form in the ODI series continues.

Kuldeep Yadav – 9/10

Another fantastic performance with the ball, as Kuldeep Yadav picked up four wickets to rip the heart out of the South African batting line-up. The young spinner’s rise continues to surprise everyone, as Yadav will be crucial weapon of India over the next few years.

Yuzvendra Chahal – 7/10

Not a great outing for Chahal tonight. A couple of drop catches did not help his cause, as he could have easily picked up more than the two wickets that he did today.

Jasprit Bumrah – 6/10

A decent performance by the young pacer, who looks a little jaded after a grueling tour. Should be rested for the final ODI.