SA vs IND, 2018: 1st T20I, Johannesburg – Team India Player Ratings

South African miseries continued even with the change in format as the hosts fell short of the Indian total by 28 runs in the first T20I at Jo’burg. India lost the toss and posted a mammoth total of 203 in front of the men in gold and green.

It was some sensational batting from Shikhar Dhawan and some spirited death bowling from Bhuvneshwar Kumar which ensured an Indian victory.

Let us look at how the other fared in match

Rohit Sharma- 7/10

The two Indian openers were on a mission right from the word go. Rohit Sharma’s blitz of 21 runs at a strike rate of 233, got the blood flowing for the Indians. Sharma smashed two massive sixes and boundaries to give India a headstart.

Shikhar Dhawan- 9/10

Dhawan carried on his purple patch from the ODI series into the T20I series. Dhawan scored an explosive 39 ball 72 at a strike rate of 184, which consisted of 10 majestic boundaries and a couple of maximums. Dhawan’s knock set up the Indian victory as it ensured a total above 200.

Suresh Raina – 6/10

The 7-ball 15 runs from Suresh Raina on his comeback trail helped India take the attack to the opposition. Raina sizzled with a couple of boundaries and a gigantic six over square leg. His short stay ensured India a flying start for the others to capitalize on. Raina also was brilliant while fielding as he clinched a couple of steep catches.

Virat Kohli- 7.5/10

Captain Kohli carried on with the early impetus of the Indian inning by smashing a 20-ball 26. Kohli smashed a couple of boundaries and six, before falling victim to the spin of Shamsi. Kohli’s knock further took the game away for the hosts.

Manish Pandey- 3/10

The top 4 Indian batters laid the platform for the lower middle order to capitalize on. However, Manish Pandey’s sluggish knock made a difference of about 20 to the final total. Pandey struggled through his 27-ball 29 as he managed just a single six, just when the boundaries were at the premium.

MS Dhoni- 8/10:

MS Dhoni’s cameo of 16 holds utmost importance looking at Manish Pandey struggling at the other end during slog overs. MSD hit a couple of important boundaries at the death to ensure that the momentum wasn’t lost while posting a competitive total.

Hardik Pandya- 8/10:

Just like MSD, Hardik Pandya came in at a crucial stage with Indian needing few boundaries for the final flourish. Pandya did not disappoint Indian fans this time as he remained unbeaten with a quickfire 13 off 7 balls which took his team over the 200 mark

Pandya also chipped in with an important wicket and effected a brilliant run out to glorify his overall contribution to the team.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 9.5/10

Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s figures of 5/24 at an economy of 6, speaks volumes about his performance at Jo’Burg. He struck the early blows with the new ball and came back to deliver the knockout punch in the death by claiming three wickets more. The 18th over Bhuvi bowled was the final nail in the South African coffin.

Jaydev Unadkat – 7/10

After a couple of expensive couple of first overs, Unadkat came back brilliantly in the end as he conceded only 33 runs in his quota of four overs and also had a wicket to show for his efforts.

Yuzvendra Chahal – 7/10:

Chahal asked a few questions of the South African middle order with the help of his quota of four overs. Chahal picked up the vital wicket of Farhaan Behardien who was looking to take his team home.

Jasprit Bumrah – 7.5/10:

Bumrah, for the nth time in his career, was brilliant during the death overs, making life difficult for the South African lower order. Bumrah could not quite get amongst the wickets but went at an economy of eight in a high scoring affair.