Clinical India Thrash Proteas. What Are The Lessons From ODI Series?

Dominant India downed South Africa by seven wickets in a bowling masterclass. The hosts bagged the ODI series 2-1 in Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi on Tuesday. Batting first, South Africa was shot out for 99 runs. Wrist spinner Kuldeep Yadav picked up four wickets for the Men in Blue. India, in reply, chased down the target with 30 overs to spare. 

.@mdsirajofficial put on an impressive performance with the ball throughout the #INDvSA ODIs and bagged the Player of the Series award 👏🏻👏🏻#TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/uZoaPElpSs

— BCCI (@BCCI) October 11, 2022

Mohammed Siraj and Washington Sundar, too, shined for the hosts with two wickets apiece. Earlier, South Africa had won the first ODI. India bounced back with a spirited show in the second ODI. They continued their top form in the third ODI, as they rattled out the Proteas, who surrendered without fighting.

What are the big gains for India?

Indian bowlers continued their impressive show from the past game and made a better performance. The form of Mohammed Siraj, who was named the player of the series, is a big plus. It would give a boost to their confidence, as earlier India had many bowling failures. Kuldeep Yadav too had a consistent result in all three matches.  

For his terrific 4-wicket haul, @imkuldeep18 bags the Player of the Match award in the #INDvSA decider 👏👏#TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/L8Oa6EI0Mf

— BCCI (@BCCI) October 11, 2022

Shreyas Iyer and Sanju Samson were the big gainers for India, as far as batting was concerned. Iyer hit a century in the first ODI, while Sanju smashed an unbeaten 86. He guided the team close to South Africa’s total. Both the players justified the faith shown by the selectors. Their improved performance is a big impetus to Indian middle-order batting. 

Another big gain is the clarity of team combination. India had eight batting options and six bowling options. It is a major plus for the team, as the 2023 World Cup is making its arrival soon.

What are the concerns and setbacks?

India did not get a good opening partnership in any of the games. Shikhar Dhawan had three failures. India plays only a few games in the run-up to the World Cup, and Dhawan’s form is crucial.

Vice-captain @ShreyasIyer15 finishes off in style! 💥

An all-around performance from #TeamIndia to win the final #INDvSA ODI and clinch the series 2⃣-1⃣. 👏👏

Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/fi5L0fWg0d pic.twitter.com/7PwScwECod

— BCCI (@BCCI) October 11, 2022

India would also be mindful that they have not played with their dominant team. Whether they can repeat the same feat with a set team is a question. However, a good beginning is half the job done, as India extended their home advantage once again.