Picture Credit: Twitter
After a defeat in the Test series, the men in Blue have registered another defeat against the Proteas now in the ODI series. While the South African side comfortably took the lead in both the formats, there have been too many questions raised in the Indian camp. What happens to be the reason for India's embarrassing defeat? And of course, what should be the course of action, going forward with other leagues and tournaments planned throughout the year. It might be noted that recently, there have been reports of the Indian Cricket Team being split into two groups, with Virat Kohli and KL Rahul sitting away from each other in the dressing room.
Netizens have been heavily trolling the Men in blue for not being successful under stand-in captain KL Rahul's leadership. The middle order woes of the Indian team have been constantly troubling the team. The fans also questioned the team selection by the Indian management. They felt that Suryakumar Yadav and in-form Ruturaj Gaikwad could have contributed to the team's cause if they were given a chance in India's playing XI.
Whilst, the rest also strongly opinionated that the careers of experienced bowlers like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yuzvendra Chahal were over. Fans also wanted Mohammed Siraj to be given a chance in ODI cricket.
For the second ODI against South Africa, the Indian batters were cheaply dismissed with many players not able to handle the pressure of the situation. Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul's partnership was an important one but couldn't stick in the middle for long enough. At the same time, yet again, the Indian spinners were out-bowled by their South African counterparts.
Proteas openers Quinton de Kock and Janneman Malan added 132 runs for the first wicket and later, Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Makram added 74 runs for the fourth wicket, which guided South Africa to a comfortable victory. With that, South Africa beat India by 7 wickets in the second ODI to win the three-match ODI series.
Check out some of the reactions from netizens here:
What a nightmare tour for India - didn't see this coming after that 1st Test. South Africa have outplayed them big time since the Centurion match, well played. #SAvsIND #INDvSA #INDvsSA
— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) January 21, 2022
Selfish KLR denying an opportunity to Ruturaj Gaikwad by opening instead of playing in the middle order just because he stole the Orange Cap from him ????
— ` (@FourOverthrows) January 19, 2022
◆ Ruturaj Gaikwad
* Plays explosive in IPL and domestic
* Gets selected for International
* Practices with other team members
* Attend photoshoot session
* Rests on bench
* Repeat ?
— Umakant (@Umakant_27) January 18, 2022
Kuldeep Yadav watching match between #INDvsSA #BCCIPolitics pic.twitter.com/pyIwzry4vw
— ? Kohlistaan (@Pantastics) January 21, 2022
This is Actually what happened with team @BCCI
Whole team facing the Consequences ?#BCCIPolitics#INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/1qSAMLEaLH
— Sushant?♂️ (@ItSuhant316) January 21, 2022
India cannot play outside home. #INDvsSA
— ??????? ??????? (@CricSpartan007) January 21, 2022
#INDvsSA sad hours bhai ??? pic.twitter.com/YwmX10Toul
— nipun? (@NiPuN__045) January 21, 2022
Fans : Winning Bilateral Series' is not a big one. #INDvsSA@BCCI : pic.twitter.com/IQiZCX2S5H
— × Kettavan Memes × (@Kettavan__Memes) January 21, 2022
Shardul Thakur and Ashwin in last overs for team india :- pic.twitter.com/ns1QtfHNrw
— 마륵 타망?? (@_Marktamang) January 21, 2022
Indian Captains vs SA in SA (ODIs)
Virat Kohli
5 Wins in 6 matches
All other Indian Captains
5 Wins in 30 matches*#INDvsSA @imVkohli ? pic.twitter.com/4q27JLPvgC
— K I N G ? (@VK18_4EVER) January 21, 2022
Shardul The all-rounder ? pic.twitter.com/o5ayXM6y1S
— अभिषेक_कुमार ?? (@Abhishek887777) January 21, 2022