SA vs IND 2018: Sourav Ganguly Expresses Surprise Over Recent South African Team Changes

Former Indian captain Sourav Ganguly appeared perplexed with South African team changes in the Final ODI at Centurion. South Africa omitted JP Duminy, David Miller and Kagiso Rabada in the last ODI.

The Proteas replaced their three icon players with the services of Farhaan Behardien, Khaya Zondo, and Imran Tahir. The team appeared weak right from the outset and as a result, had to suffer an eight-wicket loss.

President of Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) stated that the South Africans have surprised him some of their non-selections.

“Yes, a team makes changes when it loses but the changes have not made sense for South Africa. It will be a completely new set of players and looking at the importance of the series, I find it hard to understand some of the selections. A tour by India is always special to any country and the South Africans have surprised with some ‘non-selection’,” commented Sourav Ganguly according to Indian Express.

During the second half of the bilateral series, Miller looked in decent touch. Even Kagiso Rabada was omitted out of the side despite being in supreme rhythm throughout the Indian tour.

Also Read: Vijay Hazare Trophy 2017/18: Karun Nair to Lead Karnataka in Knockout Stage

“The exclusion of David Miller in the last ODI itself was surprising, as is the omission of Kagiso Rabada from the T20 squad. JP Duminy will be leading in the T20 format but was not included in the final one-dayer while Tabraiz Shamsi, who bowled well at Port Elizabeth, was replaced by Imran Tahir in the last game,” suggested the 45-year old.

After defeating the South Africans comprehensively in the ODI series, India will look to dominate in the T20I series, starting Sunday at Wanderers, Johannesburg.

South Africa needs to raise their standards: Dada

“India proved themselves to be the superior one-day side they are, and I am sure they will continue to do so in the upcoming three-match T20 series. There is a distinct possibility that they will finish off this South Africa tour on a high,” added Dada.

While predicting that India has the upper hand over the home side, Ganguly claimed that Proteas have to lift their standards in order to compete with the visitors.

“Of course, one understands that the shorter the format, the difference between the two sides reduces. This South African unit will have to raise their standards immensely to compete with this Indian side,” concluded Sourav Ganguly.

Also Read: Ian Chappell Predicts the future of Kuldeep and Chahal for Australia Tour