Top News

India had amassed a big total of 358 runs, but KL Rahul and his team trooped off the field in heavy defeat. The Proteas, who came into the Raipur ODI after losing the first one narrowly, seemed more intent and ready to fix their errors.

 

Brilliant centuries by the outstanding Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad notwithstanding, South Africa were never behind in the game. They chased down the target with great control and won the match by four wickets. Conditions, along with pivotal mistakes, saw the match slip away from India as frustration marked the result.

 

Key Reasons Behind India’s Defeat SA Despite in 2nd ODI

 

Dew Turns into India's Biggest Problem

 

Dew played the biggest role in India's defeat. There was heavy moisture on the outfield at Raipur from the word go of South African chase. It was not normal dampness. It was so much that Indian bowlers found it almost impossible to grip the ball.

 

Soon, the ball got wet and soft, taking away swing, seam, and spin. Every delivery had skidded on, and even experienced bowlers were struggling to control their lengths. It was like some moments in which bowlers were holding a bar of soap. It made batting very easy in the second innings. Aiden Markram took full advantage and played a strong century. Even changing the ball didn't make any difference as the dew kept getting worse.

 

Also Read | Watch: Rohit Sharma's reaction after Kuldeep Yadav misfields in the INDvsSA second ODI at Raipur

 

India Hurt by Toss

 

KL Rahul once more had no luck with the toss. He lost his 20th straight ODI toss, a run which has a probability of about one in a million. South Africa captain Temba Bavuma chose to bowl first, fully aware that dew would help them in the chase. After again losing the toss, Rahul later admitted he was “kicking himself”.

 

Selection Calls

 

Team selection also raised questions. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj were rested to test young pacers. Prasidh Krishna and Harshit Rana bowled with effort but lacked big-match experience. With no senior pacer around them, India struggled to adapt. Leaving out Axar Patel also hurt India, as he has often rescued them with both bat and ball. Instead, India went with Washington Sundar who, so far, has failed with both bat and ball.

 

Fielding Mistakes

 

Fielding mistakes added to India's problems. Dropped catches and misfields gave extra chances to South African batters. Rahul said the team "needed to be sharper," but the wet outfield made fielding very tough. In the end, even 358 wasn't enough. If India lose the toss again in the final ODI, they may need 380 or more to stay safe.