Cricket

Sanjay Bangar credits South African bowlers for tactical brilliance against Indian batters

 

India may have lost KL Rahul early in the run-chase in the first ODI while chasing South Africa’s 297 runs, but they were striding at one point of the game at 138/1. Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli looked in extremely good nick and a lengthy partnership was brewing.

However, the Proteas bowlers stuck to their plans and ended up outfoxing the senior batters which opened the floodgates for a batting collapse. India were reduced to 188 for 6 in no time and the hosts secured a comfortable 31-run win to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

Former Team India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has credited South Africa for the tactical brilliance shown against India at the Boland Park in Paarl. “That’s what surprised me quite a bit. That’s not what the Indian batters are known for. I think credit also to the South African team for sticking to their plans. You had Markram (Aiden) bowling for five overs, we were hoping that he would bowl a couple of overs and then he would be taken off.

“Even somebody like a Keshav Maharaj spinning the ball that way and Bavuma (Temba) persisting with that plan and inviting Virat Kohli to play in an area he is not comfortable. You talk of Rishabh Pant being stumped down the leg side. Again, smart understanding between the bowler and wicketkeeper. Also, Venkatesh Iyer and Shreyas Iyer being tested with those short balls,” said Bangar.

With Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli departing after scoring half-centuries, the onus was on the middle-order of Rishabh Pant, Shreyas Iyer and Venkatesh Iyer but they failed to make a dent in the game. All three batters succumbed under pressure and ended up returning to the hut pretty quickly. The middle-order has been an area of concern for the side for a while now and Shikhar Dhawan mentioned that the youngsters will only learn with match experience.

“This (discussion) we have that play according to the situation and what the situation demands, keep the team ahead and an individual’s game is important,” Dhawan said at the post-match press conference.

“But at the same time be practical, how can you mould your game, so that when a partnership is needed, then it is necessary, all those things and I feel these gets refined with experience and time,” he further added.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Akash Deep on India missing Virat Kohli on England tour: It’s a team sport

India’s fast bowler Akash Deep said the team decided to move on after Virat Kohli’s… Read More

August 12, 2025

Akash Deep reveals his batting strategy as nightwatchman on England tour

India’s fast bowler Akash Deep was promoted in the batting order as a nightwatchman on… Read More

August 12, 2025

Devang Gandhi backs selectors and the team management to take call on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s ODI future

Former Indian cricketer Devang Gandhi has backed selectors and the team management to take a… Read More

August 12, 2025

Mohammad Azharuddin blasts Jasprit Bumrah’s workload management after ENG vs IND 2025 Tests

Former Indian captain Mohammad Azharuddin has criticized Jasprit Bumrah’s workload management after the five-match Test… Read More

August 12, 2025

Darren Cahill reveals Jannik Sinner’s competitive mindset

Jannik Sinner’s coach Darren Cahill has revealed that his ward has worked really hard to… Read More

August 12, 2025

Man United ready for ‘fresh start’ after poor period, says Harry Maguire

Manchester United veteran defender Harry Maguire said the club is ready for a fresh start… Read More

August 12, 2025