IND vs SA: Sanjay Bangar Credits South African Bowlers For Sticking To Their Plans Against Indian Batsmen

Former Indian batting coach Sanjay Bangar has credited the South African bowlers for sticking to their plans against the Indian batting line-up in the first ODI in Paarl. As it turned out, India lost the game by 31 runs reaching only as far as 265/8 in quest of 297 to win.

Bangar said that the Protean bowlers had a smart understanding of their tactics and applied it well against the Indian batsmen. The side went down from 138/1 to 188/6 losing wickets in a cluster in what a mini-batting collapse. Speaking to Star Sports, Sanjay Bangar said that the hosts stuck to their bowling plans and had a smart understanding of their tactics.

Credit To South Africa For Sticking To Their Plans: Sanjay Bangar

“That’s what surprised me quite a bit. That’s not what the Indian batters are known for. I think credit also to the South African team for sticking to their plans. You had Markram (Aiden) bowling for five overs, we were hoping that he would bowl a couple of overs and then he would be taken off”, he stated.

Bangar further said that Bavuma sticking with the spinners against Virat Kohli and the dismissals of Rishabh Pant and Venkatesh Iyer prove that the Protean bowlers did their homework against the English batsmen. While Kohli was dismissed trying to sweep Shamsi, Pant was stumped down the leg side.

“Even somebody like a Keshav Maharaj spinning the ball that way and Bavuma (Temba) persisting with that plan and inviting Virat Kohli to play in an area he is not comfortable. You talk of Rishabh Pant being stumped down the leg side. Again, smart understanding between the bowler and wicketkeeper. Also, Venkatesh Iyer and Shreyas Iyer being tested with those short balls…” Bangar further added.

India lost Shikhar Dhawan’s wicket with a team score of 138/2. Soon Virat Kohli was also dismissed on 51 with a team score of 152. India never really recovered from those two quick wickets and ultimately fell way short of the target. The K L Rahul-led side needs to win the second ODI to stay alive in the series at Paarl on Friday, January 21.

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