Following India’s defeat to South Africa in the second One-Day International in Raipur, when the hosts were unable to hold off a big 358 total, captain KL Rahul acknowledged that the toss was crucial in a situation where dew greatly favoured the chasing team.
South Africa chose to bowl first and won by four wickets with four balls remaining, tying the series 1-1 after India lost their 20th straight toss in ODIs. Under Rahul’s leadership this series, the Men in Blue were asked to bat first for the second consecutive game. Although India scored 349 in the first ODI in Ranchi and won by a slim margin of 17 runs, an even larger goal in Raipur was not enough this time.
“Not really, given everything—the amount of dew and the challenges of bowling in the second inning. Considering everything, we performed quite well in the previous game. Even if the umpires have been kind enough to switch the ball a few times and bowlers face many challenges when using a wet ball, I believe that tossing is still quite important. I’m punishing myself for losing two consecutive tosses. It’s clearly having a significant impact,” Rahul stated during the post-game press conference.
“Looking back, there are always things we could have done more effectively. Even after the last game, there was still discussion in the dressing room about how to obtain an additional 20 to 25 runs to give the bowlers some leeway when they bowled with the wet ball, even though 350 runs with the bat looks fantastic. Although it is clear that bowlers are giving it their all, there is still room for improvement. Even in the field, we gave up a few soft limits. KL Rahul continued, “Perhaps those 20–25 runs will go our way and we’ll be on the other side if we can tighten up all three areas of the game and get a little more sharp.”
Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad’s centuries laid the foundation for India’s formidable total. Gaikwad recorded his first century in the format, and it was the eleventh time that Kohli has scored hundreds in back-to-back ODIs. For the third wicket, the pair put on a 195-run partnership off just 156 balls.
“The manner Virat batted was stunning to see. It goes without saying that we have now witnessed him accomplish this fifty-three times. We are accustomed to him carrying out his duties. Rutu’s batting style was stunning to watch. He hit his gaps and took on the spinners. Rahul remarked, “I believe the pace at which he batted after reaching 50 was what gave us that extra 20 runs.
India managed just 103 runs in the final 15 overs with eight wickets in hand and just 74 runs in the final 10 overs despite having a good base. Despite being named at No. 6 on the team sheet at the toss, Rahul scored an undefeated 66 at No. 5. While Ravindra Jadeja added an undefeated 24 runs, including two boundaries, Washington Sundar only contributed one run.
“Obviously batting at 5-6-7 [could be looked at],” KL Rahul stated.
We could have been content with 20 runs if the lower order had been able to contribute a little bit more and hit a few more boundaries. I was assigned to No. 6 for the first time today, and I arrived at five. If not, a decision is always made prior to the game,” KL Rahul stated.
“Rutu and Virat established a good tempo with their partnership.” Therefore, Gautam Gambhir, the head coach, and I thought it would be appropriate for me to enter and maintain that pace. There is some confidence because [I] obviously scored a fifty in the last game. The best individual to go in and take on the bowling and maintain that tempo is definitely someone who has batted in the middle and exudes confidence. “That was the strategy,” KL Rahul said.
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