KL Rahul’s youthful Indian team triumphed in the three-game series in the Rainbow nation. India’s Blue-clad men claimed a 2-1 series win following an authoritative 78-run victory over the Proteas in the decisive game.
The young fast bowlers made an impression, while the supporting players used the occasion to stake their claim to starting spots in the One-Day Internationals. The ODI format will take a backseat with the next T20 World Cup until 2025, when Pakistan will host the Champions Trophy.
The youthful Indian squad should be commended for their outstanding feat in winning an ODI series in South Africa. They demonstrated their talent and confidence in the face of a formidable opponent.
Let us have a look at 3 biggest positives for India from the ODI series win in South Africa:
1. Sai Sudharsan’s exploits in his debut series
Sai Sudharsan nearly broke over the selection barrier with regular performances, and even in unfamiliar circumstances in South Africa, he appeared very at ease against speed and spin.
In the opening two games, he scored consecutive half-centuries to establish the Indian series. In the first ODI, India chased down 117 with more than 33 overs remaining. Sudharsan was clinical in the field, hitting fifty in his opening over and going unbeaten.
In the crease, he appeared poised, and his stroke play was out of the top draw. His defensive technique was visible during his county career and was on show in the first two ODIs.
Sudharsan’s batsmanship was defined by striding towards the ball and playing straight in front of his eyes. Sai might become the next great thing in Indian cricket if he continues to work on his craft and has no obvious weaknesses in his batting.
2. Arshdeep Singh Became a Force to Reckon With in ODI Cricket
Poor ODI figures greeted Arshdeep at the start of the series. After taking the new ball against South Africa in Johannesburg, he changed everything. He had not taken a wicket in his previous three ODIs.
Arshdeep was unplayable with the new ball, tearing up the South African top order with swing and lateral movement available. Arshdeep is undoubtedly a talented player, but when there’s a chance for mobility, he can be just as deadly with the white ball as anybody else.
What made his series performance unique was his ability to induce seam movement even with an old ball. Arshdeep used diverse angles and lengths during the series decider to gain his breakthroughs, particularly with the old ball.
He finished the series with 10 wickets at a 9.50 average. Arshdeep’s death over returns has been called into question, although he does have a solid Yorker as well as pace variations.
3. The Resurrection of Sanju Samson
Despite having an excellent ODI record, Samson’s sample size is lower. Nevertheless, with the century in the series finale against South Africa, he has all but guaranteed his place in the ODI team, at least for the upcoming few series. In the second ODI, Samson got off to a good start, but the problem persisted as he was removed for twelve.
However, in the decider at Paarl, Samson played wonderfully and scored his first ODI century. The innings screamed class, and it will undoubtedly answer a few problems for India.
Sanju Samson was always a gifted player with unquestioned ability to make strokes. But he was never able to provide performances that would have solidified his bench. His confidence will soar after his century in next ODI competitions.
