In the first ODI at the JSCA Stadium in Ranchi on Sunday, November 30, India got back to winning ways following a terrible Test series against South Africa. The Men in Blue won by 17 runs, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
In general, it was a good game from India. Blistering half-centuries by Matthew Breetzke, Marco Jansen and Corbin Bosch threatened to take the game away from the hosts but they kept their nerve at key moments throughout to finish on top. There were, however, a few strategic questions worth considering.
On that basis, India made two blunders and one masterstroke in the first one-day international against South Africa.
3. Mistake – Rahul should have continued with pace against Brevis
When Dewald Brevis walked in to bat, South Africa were already under pressure at 77/4. Prasidh Krishna was bowling well and looked in good rhythm. At that moment, India were clearly in control.
But KL Rahul decided to change things. He removed Prasidh from the attack after just four overs and brought in Ravindra Jadeja. This worked in Brevis’ favour because the young batter is far more comfortable against spin, especially finger spin.
Letting Prasidh bowl one more over would have made more sense, especially against a new batter. Instead, Brevis took on Jadeja straight away and quickly got into form. That freedom might not have come if India had stayed with the fast bowlers.
Overall, Rahul handled most bowling changes well, but this decision slightly eased the pressure on South Africa.
2. Masterstroke – Kohli chose the right time to attack
Virat Kohli has been one of the smartest batters in ODI cricket when it comes to controlling the pace of an innings. In Ranchi, he once again showed why he is in a different league.
From early on, Kohli understood that the pitch was good for batting. He also knew that chasing would be tricky later because of dew. So instead of just playing safe, he attacked during the powerplay, especially against the fast bowlers.
He kept India in the lead throughout his innings. His knock included 11 boundaries and seven massive sixes. After reaching his hundred, he took things to another level and smashed 20 runs in one over from Prenelan Subrayen.
Even though India’s batting depth wasn’t very long, Kohli never slowed down unnecessarily. He scored at the perfect speed and built a total that made a big difference in the match.
1. Mistake – Washington Sundar at No. 5 raised questions
KL Rahul had declared, ahead of the match, that he would be coming in at No. 6. But when it came time to bat, they sent in Washington Sundar at No. 5.
This play just didn’t hold water. Sundar is a crafty all-rounder, but middle-order batting in ODIs is a tricky job. He is a man who doesn’t take apart spinners neither does he rotate strike quickly under pressure.
On the contrary, Rahul faltered when he walked in. It was clear he is more comfortable at No. 5, where he has excelled for years.
Sundar may grow into any position in the future, but right now, No. 5 does not seem to be the best role for him. India might benefit more by putting Rahul back in his ideal spot.
