SA vs IND 2018: Chahal and Kuldeep Have Shown Big Hearts - Sunil Gavaskar
Published - 04 Feb 2018, 12:17 PM | Updated - 22 Aug 2024, 11:48 PM
India once again banked on skipper Virat Kohli well supported by Ajinkya Rahane for a convincing win against the Proteas in Durban.
India now leads the six-match ODI series 1-0 with the second match to be played later on Sunday in Centurion.
However, former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar feels South Africa was 30 runs short but praised Indian spinner for their tight bowling.
“It was perhaps 30 runs short of what would have been an ideal score, but the Indian spinner, in particular,r had choked the runs in the middle overs, and South Africa does not have any player like AB de Villers, who could have got the big overs that would have propelled them to 300,” Gavaskar wrote in his column in TOI.
Gavaskar further lauded India’s young spinners for utilising the conditions well and showing big hearts.
“The Kingsmead pitch was on the slower side with very little bounce, and the two wrist spinners exploited the conditions very well,” stated Gavaskar. “Both these young guns have big hearts and are unafraid to toss the ball up and invite the big shot. They will occasionally get hit but will get wickets more often than not,” he added.
The 68-year-old Gavaskar further pointed out Kohli’s simplicity while batting. Gavaskar feels Kohli was determined to make up for Shikhar Dhawan’s run out and was evident from the way he treated every ball.
“There is a simplicity about his batting that gives the bowlers no chance. His balance is near-perfect, and when he leans and plays the cover drive, there are few better sights in cricket,” Gavaskar mentioned.
Gavaskar once again admitted sitting out Rahane during the first two Tests was a big mistake.
“Rahane, carrying on his good form from the Wanderers Test, once again emphasized that leaving him out for the first two Tests which India lost was a big mistake,” wrote Gavaskar.
Gavaskar is of the opinion that Centurion’s wicket will be faster than Durban and won’t provide excessive movement.
“The pitch at the Centurion will be a lot quicker than at Durban plus it is a day game so there won’t be any excessive movements that the dusk can bring about in South Africa,” he signed off.
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