Having succumbed to the overwhelming aggression of the formidable South Africa to lose the T20 series, India need to conjure up enough spirit and character in the five-match ODI series to put across the ball against the Proteas.
Having succumbed to the overwhelming aggression of the formidable South Africa to lose the T20 series, India need to conjure up enough spirit and character in the five-match ODI series to put across the ball against the Proteas. The opening match is scheduled to be at Kanpur's Green Park Stadium.
It would be a big challenge for the Indian skipper MS Dhoni, who returned to the mainstream after almost a three-month layoff. In his first attempt, he failed to motivate his mixed blend of youth and experienced against the visitors in the slam bang version, owing to his poor strategy and lackadaisical approach. At Dharamsala, India managed to put up a decent total of 199, riding on the amazing crest of Rohit Sharma, but failed to defend it despite playing at the familiar home conditions backed by the supporting crowd.
Whereas, in the second tie at Cuttack's Barabati Stadium, India were simply outmaneuvered and outwitted in all spheres of the game to offer the trophy on the platter to the aggressive South Africa. The main reasons of defeat were two suicidal run outs, committed by Virat Kohli, Rohit in the process of stealing runs. Dhoni and Suresh Raina failed to fill the void as well. Consequently, India were skittled out for a paltry 92, which SA achieved with consummate ease to lay their hands on the coveted trophy much to the chagrin of the packed crowd who purported indecency in the form of throwing water bottles.
The final inconsequential match at Kolkata's Eden could have helped the hosts to redeem their lost prestige but it was not to be the case as the tie was washed out.
Dhoni's brigade, now need to plug these loopholes. They can't afford the luxury of such type of unavoidable follies if they really harbor of any hope of winning the ODI series. His role will be under scrutiny. Because, he had lost the semi-final in World Cup; lost ODI series against Bangaldesh in Bangladesh and now T20s at home.
In turn, South Africa needed a positive outcome to start their campaign on the right earnest. After clinching the T20 series, the Proteas are in the right frame of mind and they would surely go all out in the quest of maintaining that momentum. They have solid batting line-up, well-supported by seam attack, who can exploit India's vulnerability to the hilt if they can smell, a little bit of juice on the surface. Imran Tahir has the temerity to deal the hosts willowers, which he has already proved in Indian conditions. Above all, the Proteas have enough resources in their repertoire, which can dent India's reputation. So, an exciting contest is on the anvil.