IND vs SA: India Should Work On Their Mistakes, Says Zaheer Khan

Former Indian pace bowler Zaheer Khan said that the Indian team should tighten their fielding and avoid a whitewash against South Africa in the three-match ODI series.

After a thumping win by 31 runs in the first ODI, South Africa defeated India by seven wickets in the second match to seal the three-match ODI series with an unassailable lead of 2-0.

South Africa won the ODI series with a 2-0 lead against India

Rishabh Pant’s 85 from 71 balls and an unbeaten 48-run stand between Shardul Thakur (40*) and Ravichandran Ashwin (25*) helped India post a monumental score of 287/6 in the first innings.

But the Indian bowlers failed to hold the opponents batters as Proteas openers Quinton de Kock (78) and Janneman Malan (91) put up a dignified partnership of 132 runs.

After the openers were sent back to the dugout, South Africa’s middle-order comprised of skipper Temba Bavuma (35), Aiden Markram (37) and Rassie van der Dussen (37) ensured the hosts romped home with a seven-wicket win in 48.1 overs.

India can think of changes in field placements: Zaheer Khan

Zaheer admitted that KL Rahul has had a tough start to his captaincy career with the Indian team. India has lost all the three matches under Rahul’s captaincy so far including the first two ODI matches.

Zaheer wants India to bounce back by rectifying some mistakes in their team and find a way to win the final ODI in Cape Town.

“India should work on their mistakes. But they should also appreciate and keep doing the things that were good in this match. They can think of changes in field placements and how they can create more pressure on the batters. They can try saving ones and twos,” Zaheer said on Cricbuzz.

“Since India has lost the series, the last match will not be easy. But they will have to find a way to motivate themselves. Rahul Dravid must be thinking in this direction.”

“It has not been an easy two matches for KL Rahul. It will be interesting to see how he responds to this situation. India should try to finish (the tour) in a manner they usually expect and play their cricket. South Africa has played well, but the visitors wouldn’t want to lose the series 3-0,” he added.

South Africa and India will move from Paarl to Cape Town to play the final ODI match of the series at the Newlands on Sunday (January 23). India will hope to avoid the white-wash by ending their tour with a victory.

Also Read: IND vs SA: Gautam Gambhir Suggests 3 Changes In The Dead Rubber Against South Africa