KL Rahul, India’s ODI captain, highlighted how the toss played a big role in the second game versus South Africa in Raipur. In summary, the dew made an impact in the second innings, helping the visiting team chase down the target of 359.
In the post-match presentation, Rahul said, “Not really, given how much dew there is and how difficult it is to bowl in the second innings. I thought we did well in the last game. Today the umpires were nice to change the ball.
“Toss plays a big role so l’m kicking myself. There are always things we could have done better. With the bat, I know that 350 looks good, but that has been the chat in the dressing room even after the last game about how we can get the extra 20-25 runs to give bowlers a cushion with the wet ball,” he added.
He also praised the top-order for giving a strong foundation. “It was beautiful to watch Rutu (Gaikwad) and the way he batted. We have seen Kohli do it 55 times, or 53. He just goes about doing his job. It was beautiful watching Rutu bat, the way he picked up the tempo after reaching his fifty.
“Today is the first time that l’ve been slotted at 6 and walked in at 5. Otherwise, it’s always a decision before the game. But the way the partnership was going on, they set the tempo, so Gambhir bhai and I felt that would be the right time for me to walk in and keep the tempo going. I got a fifty in the last game, so someone who is high on confidence was probably the right person to walk in. We decided when we got past the 30-35 over mark.”
Batting first, Kohli and Gaikwad amassed tons, steering the hosts to a massive total. However, a collective effort from South Africa took them past the finish line. For the tourists, Aiden Markram cracked a quick-fire ton.
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