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The Indian cricket team endured a tough night in Mullanpur on Thursday as South Africa registered a dominant 51-run victory in the second T20I of the five-match series. India faltered across departments – batting, bowling and decision making – raising major questions about team strategy and execution.
While several players endured an off day, head coach Gautam Gambhir’s continuous reshuffling of the batting order drew sharp criticism, especially after India captain Suryakumar Yadav was pushed down the order during a crucial chase.
Dale Steyn calls Gautam Gambhir’s move a ‘major mistake’
Former South Africa fast bowler Dale Steyn, part of the Star Sports commentary panel, expressed disbelief at India’s tactical choices. He specifically labelled the decision to promote Axar Patel above India’s premier batter Suryakumar Yadav as “a major mistake.”
Steyn argued that situations requiring experimentation do exist, but “not when your best batter needs to steady the innings.” He added that the move neither supported left-right balance nor suited the game scenario, noting that India ended up with two left-handers at the top despite a right-hander being dismissed.
According to Steyn, the decision felt like “throwing Axar to the wolves,” especially in a match where India had a chance to tilt the series in their favour.
“He’s supposed to be your best batter. That’s not a trial-and-error situation – that’s just a major mistake in my opinion. And yes, Axar can bat, but sending him there felt like throwing him to the wolves. What was the role? If he walked in to slog from ball one, fine. Or if Abhishek had gotten out first and you wanted to maintain a left-right combination, that also makes sense. But it was a right-hander who got out, and you ended up with two left-handers at the top. A lot of question marks there. Perhaps there’s experimentation happening, similar to what’s happening in South Africa. But tonight, in a match where you could’ve gone 2-1 up, I’d have sent your best batters and kept things simple,” said the South Africa great.
Quinton de Kock’s explosive 90 guides South Africa to victory
South Africa’s innings was powered by a breathtaking knock from Quinton de Kock, who blasted 90 off just 46 balls, striking seven sixes and dismantling the Indian bowling attack.
Late cameos from Donovan Ferreira (30 off 16) and David Miller (20 off 12) pushed the visitors to a formidable 213/4 in 20 overs.
India’s bowling effort was marred by inconsistency – highlighted by pacer Arshdeep Singh’s difficult over that included seven wides – contributing to the mounting pressure.
Also WATCH: Gautam Gambhir gets furious as Arshdeep Singh bowls 7 wides in one over during IND vs SA 2nd T20I
In reply, India’s batting unit never gained momentum. Early wickets of Shubman Gill, Abhishek Sharma and captain Suryakumar Yadav left the team reeling inside the powerplay.
Youngster Tilak Varma provided a spark with an impressive 62 off 34 balls, showcasing calmness and aggression despite the mounting required rate. However, lack of support from the other end meant India stumbled to 162 all out, well short of the target.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: crickettimes.com
