Published 17:30 IST, September 23rd 2019
India vs South Africa: Experts' take on the third T20I in Bengaluru
India vs South Africa third T20I ended in a win for South Africa and the three-match series ended in a 1-1 draw. Here are comments from cricket experts
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After an emphatic victory over the visitors in Mohali, the Proteas came back strongly in the third game to level the 3-match T20I series 1-1. After yesterday’s defeat, Virat Kohli’s captaincy and team management have both come under heavy scrutiny from Indian fans and former cricketers. Despite a solid power play stint by the openers, the Indian middle-order squandered a great start by throwing away their wickets at regular intervals. Team India, after winning the toss, opted to bat first on a good Chinnaswamy surface. However, the ‘Men in Blue’ could only manage 134-9 from their allotted 20 overs.
What experts had to say about India’s defeat
VVS Laxman:
As part of the ‘Star Sports’ commentary team, former Indian cricketer was of the opinion that Indian wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant should drop down the order. With a string of low scores, Pant’s form has been a worry for the Indian middle-order. VVS Laxman stated that in order to express himself with more freedom, the wicketkeeper-batsman should start batting down at number 5 or 6. Laxman also said that Pant’s usual position of number 4 is more suited for other batters like Shreyas Iyer and Hardik Pandya.
Ajit Agarkar:
Even though Team India failed to score big in their innings, former Indian fast bowler Ajit Agarkar said it was a good move to bat first. Earlier, Virat Kohli had won the toss and decided to set the target on a good Chinnaswamy wicket. Agarkar continued that while batting first, you cannot lose so many wickets in the middle overs, as it makes it difficult to end the innings on a good note.
Aakash Chopra:
Former Indian Test opener took to Twitter to express his disappointment on India’s defeat. While praising the efforts of Indian bowlers for their win in Mohali, Chopra said the same bowlers were the reason for their downfall in Bengaluru. Aakash Chopra is also a part of the commentary team.
Series Overview:
With South Africa’s 9-wicket victory over the host’s, the visitors have managed to salvage a draw. The focus will now shift to Vishakhapatnam for the upcoming Test series between two nations. The Test series will also launch South Africa’s campaign in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship. The first Test match will begin from 2 October 2019.
15:23 IST, September 23rd 2019