indian cricket team Mullanpur faced a tough night on Thursday South Africa registered a spectacular win by 51 runs in the second T20 match. Of the five-match series. India faltered in departments like batting, bowling and decision-making, raising big questions over the team’s strategy and execution.
While several players faced a day off, head coach Gautam Gambhir’s frequent shuffling of the batting order drew sharp criticism, especially when India captain Suryakumar Yadav was pushed down the order during a crucial chase.
Dale Steyn calls Gautam Gambhir’s move a ‘big mistake’
Former South African fast bowler Dale Steyn, part of the Star Sports commentary panel, expressed disbelief at India’s tactical choices. He particularly labeled the decision to promote Axar Patel over India’s leading batsman Suryakumar Yadav “a big mistake.”
Stein argued that conditions requiring experimentation existed, but “Not when your best batsman needs to steady the innings.” He said the move neither supports the left-right balance nor suits the playing scenario, given that India finished with two left-handers at the top despite dismissing a right-hander.
According to Stan, the decision felt like “Throwing the hare to the wolves,” Especially in a match where India had a chance to turn the series in its favor.
“He’s supposed to be your best batsman. It’s not a trial-and-error situation – in my opinion it’s just a big mistake. And yes, Akshar can bat, but sending him there felt like throwing him to the wolves. What was the role? If he came in to slog from the first ball, fine. Or if Abhishek was out first and you wanted to maintain the left-right combination, that also makes sense. But it was a right-handed batsman who got out. And you finished with two left-handers at the top. Maybe there was experimentation going on, but tonight, in a match where you could have been ahead, I would have sent in my best batsmen and kept things simple.” Described South Africa as great.
Quinton de Kock’s explosive inning of 90 runs gave victory to South Africa
South Africa’s innings got a boost from a breathtaking innings quinton de kockWho scored 90 runs in just 46 balls, hit seven sixes and demolished the Indian bowling attack.
Late cameos from Donovan Ferreira (30 off 16) and David Miller (20 off 12) took the visitors to a strong score of 213/4 in 20 overs.
India’s bowling effort was marred by inconsistency – highlighted by fast bowler Arshdeep Singh’s difficult over which included seven wides – which was contributing to the mounting pressure.
See also: Gautam Gambhir furious after Arshdeep Singh bowled 7 wides in an over during IND vs SA 2nd T20I
In reply, India’s batting unit was never able to pick up the pace. The early wickets of Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma and captain Suryakumar Yadav put the team in trouble inside the powerplay.
Young Tilak Verma played a brilliant inning of 62 runs in 34 balls and displayed calmness and aggression despite the rising required rate. However, lack of support from the other end resulted in India being bowled out for 162, well short of the target.
Also read: Quinton de Kock, Otniel Baartman power South Africa to victory over India in 2nd T20, fans react