IND vs SA ODI Series: South Africa handed India a taste of their own medicine with a comfortable eight-wicket victory in the second ODI of the 3-match series. Tony de Zorzi's maiden international century helped Proteas level the series 1-1.
India's captain KL Rahul did not shy away from highlighting the impact of losing the toss in the second ODI at St George's Park, Gqeberha. Rahul said the early assistance for bowlers made a huge difference in the outcome of the match.
"Probably win the toss (on what he would like to change). There was a bit of help at the start (for bowlers). It was tough to bat on but a couple of us got set. Had we gone on, we could have gotten 50-60 runs extra and that would have made a difference," PTI quoted Rahul as saying after the match.
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"When we batted, we thought even 240-250 would have been good. With a set batter, we might have gotten those runs. We lost wickets at crucial times," Rahul added.
India struggled to build any momentum in the match, losing wickets at regular intervals. They were eventually bowled out for 211, a target that South Africa comfortably chased with 7.3 overs to spare.
The Indian captain mentioned the need for role clarity and execution within the team, stating that each individual's game-plan should be trusted and executed for the team's success.
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"Each individual's game-plan and what they feel comfortable doing, as a team, you have to trust that. I have complete clarity and try to execute it. There is no right or wrong in cricket and you try to do the job for your team," Rahul said.
Rahul scored his 18th half-century in his ODI career, notching up 56 runs in 64 balls. Sai Sudharsan was the top batter for Men in Blue, scoring 62 runs.
India will next face South Africa in a series decider on December 21 at Boland Park, Paarl.