SA vs IND 2018, 1st ODI: India Player's Ratings

The Indian team powered their way to a convincing win in the first ODI riding on the brilliant partnership between Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane. India beat host South Africa by six wickets to go 1-0 up in Durban in the six-match series.

Batting first, South Africa posted 269 on board after a valiant effort from their skipper Faf du Plessis. Du Plessis was the lone warrior scoring 120 runs, as other failed to utilize the starts. The young wrist spinning duo of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal was again proved their worth on overseas condition sharing five wickets together.

Useful contributions down the order from Chris Morris (37) and Andile Phehlukwayo (27*) helped Proteas go past 250.

In reply, India banked on Virat Kohli’s 100 and Ajinkya Rahane’s 79 to go past the target with ease. The duo batted with great authority maneuvering the field on will. The pair added 189 runs, as South African bowlers failed to pose a threat.

Hardik Pandya (3*) and MS Dhoni (4*) finished the business, as India went 1-0 up in the ODI series.

Here are the player ratings from the first ODI at Durban:

Shikhar Dhawan: 6/10

Dhawan will be disappointed with himself for failing to convert the start. Dhawan played a quickfire 35 runs off just 29 balls including six fours before he departed by an unfortunate runout.

The swashbuckling opener looked in control playing some beautiful shots at the start of the innings. However, Dhawan will look to cash in the second ODI and make it big.

Rohit Sharma: 4.5/10

The classy Rohit Sharma was not in his usual self, as he couldn’t get going. He scored 20 runs off 30 balls before getting out playing the wrong line. Sharma has had a poor series so far but will be keen to make up for it in the upcoming fixtures.

Virat Kohli: 9.5/10

India skipper Virat Kohli once again proved why he is so highly rated all over the world. Kohli played a magnificent knock 112 runs to take his team home along with Ajinkya Rahane.

Kohli played shots all around the corner and was in absolute control of the game. Kohli’s form with the bat will be crucial for Indian in the upcoming fixtures.

Ajinkya Rahane: 8.5/10

India can breathe a sigh of relief, as they have got best second drop batsman in Ajinkya Rahane going into the World Cup.

Virat Kohli tried many combinations with the slot, but nobody was consistent. Rahane displayed a classic form of batting, as he paired with Kohli to take his team over the ropes.

Hardik Pandya: 4/10

Pandya had a very little to do with the bat, as the match was almost over when he came to crease. However, there are lots of scopes for him to improve when it comes to bowling. Pandya, who has a lot potential will look to contribute significantly in the coming games.

MS Dhoni: 5/10

Dhoni’s inclusion to the ODI team had a positive effect, as he helped Virat Kohli with valuable inputs. He was swift as ever behind the stumps, but he had a very less to do with the bat.

However, Dhoni will be confident to score runs when needed as team India banks a lot on him.

Kedar Jadhav: 3/10

Kedar had a minimal contribution in this match bowling just three overs. However, he is capable of scoring big when needed. With his sid-arm action, Jadhav can be critical with the ball, as Dhoni has used significantly over the years.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar: 3.5/10

It was rare off day for Kumar, as he went for plenty. Bhuvneshwar was hammered for 71 runs in his quota of ten overs; although he managed to remove Faf du Plessis at the fag end.

However, Kumar has been leading the bowling pack in the shorter formats and will be eager to be back and do his job.

Kuldeep Yadav: 9/10

The left-arm leg-break bowler once again showed his ability, as he did the bulk of the job bagging three wickets. Kuldeep has been in tremendous form throughout the last year and returned the trust shown by Kohli. Kuldeep bowled some tight line and length and kept a check on the flow of runs.

Yuzvendra Chahal: 8.5/10

Young Chahal has been the go-to bowler for Kohli in the white ball game. He is a sheer match-winner and delivers whenever his captain throws the ball to him.

He claimed two crucial wickets in the first ODI and his partnership with Kuldeep is riping fruits for India in the middle overs.

Jasprit Bumrah: 6.5/10

Bumrah has grown in stature over the years to become one of the leading bowlers in this India team. Bumrah with his awkward actions was good enough, as he provided the first breakthrough removing Hashim Amla.

However, Bumrah will be keen to improve his figures in the coming fixtures.

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