India sealed the five-match T20I series 3-1 with a 30-run win against South Africa in the 5th T20I at Ahmedabad, driven by Tilak-Hardik's 100-run stand and Bumrah-Varun's clinical spells. Robin Uthappa and Dale Steyn dissected the bowlers' dominance and South Africa's collapse chasing. Robin Uthappa analysed Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakaravarthy’s game-changing spells: “Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakaravarthy were phenomenal on this wicket. Bumrah is India’s banker when things go sour, he gave just six runs in his first couple of overs, got the crucial wicket of Quinton de Kock when India desperately needed it, bringing us right back. Then Hardik dismissed Dewald Brevis in his second over, and Suryakumar showed great captaincy bringing Varun back—he got Aiden Markram immediately, followed by Donovan Ferreira and one more in quick time. What stands out about Varun is his ability to come back strong. He first hits his length, then attacks the batter’s weaknesses—that’s exactly what he executed brilliantly today.” On Hardik Pandya’s performance: “His energy on the field is exactly like Sir Viv Richards. He comes in with that swagger, and it’s a great attitude for youngsters to learn from. That’s the energy the opposition feels, a sense of intimidation even before you’ve played a ball. It’s a phenomenal attitude to carry.” Dale Steyn dissected South Africa’s chase collapse against Jasprit Bumrah: “It’s the Bumrah effect—you can’t let him bowl four overs without damage. South Africa played it safe, surviving him while attacking others, but once he got Quinton de Kock, it triggered Hardik’s wicket, then Chakaravarthy’s flow. Chasing 230-240 demands fighting fire with fire, you can’t let elite bowlers dictate. Bumrah always creates that window for others—South Africa should’ve gone after him harder, as he’ll get you out anyway if you just wait.” On Varun Chakaravarthy’s dominance over South Africa’s middle order: “Many South Africans struggle to pick Varun Chakaravarthy—Aiden Markram reads him best but still gets out to him often because he plays aggressively. Others like Ferreira get completely foxed by his soft prods and uncertain spin. He has a clear edge over their middle order; even Markram’s now cautious, which is the last mindset a batter wants against him.” On Hardik Pandya’s superhero aura and mental dominance: “Hardik was fantastic—he’s transcended sportsman into celebrity territory, walking out like a superhero in a scripted movie plot where nobody alters his plan. It’s not a bad attitude; it’s pure dominance, an aura where nobody else can match what he does. You see it in his stance and presence—he’s operating at another level mentally, unbreakable in a game that’s all about mental battles. All these players are skilled, but he’s elevated beyond."
