The Indian cricket team is on a roll! They have bounced back in style after being thrashed in the first two tests. They are on the verge of making history — by winning a bilateral One-Day International(ODI) series in South Africa for the first time. How did a team that appeared to be entirely out of sorts turn it around? Here are five reasons why they have gained the upper hand against the Proteas.
1. Better with the bat
At the end of the second test, the team’s batting was in shambles. Batsmen were struggling to stay at the crease, let alone scoring runs. The batting has lived up to its reputation only from the third test onwards. With better application and shot selection, Indian batsmen have been putting up good totals.
2. Spinning a web
Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal exposed the South African batsmen’s deficiency against wrist spinners. No wonder that they have taken 33SA wickets in the ODI series. They have bamboozled and mesmerised the SA batsmen.They are all over the SA batsmen like a rash!
3. Virat Kohli’s red-hot form
Virat Kohli is the propeller rotor for the Indian team’s batting ship. India regained its batting form after his centuries in the third test and the first and third ODIs. His dominance over the opposition bowling has been awe-inspiring. His batting has also improved his performance as a captain.
4. Horses for courses
The team selection has been right on the money since the third test. Ajinkya Rahane was reinstated at the number four spot. He went on to score a vital 48 in the second innings of the third test. He also began the ODI series well with a half-century in the first one. Including wrist spinners in the ODI team has also been an inspirational move.
5. Shikhar Dhawan peaking at the right time
Shikhar Dhawan has found his Midas touch in the ODIs. This matters since he is a vital cog in the Indian batting wheel. Shikhar has has scored runs at a fair clip without taking risks.
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