India will take on South Africa in the series decider on December 06.
Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan praised the Gautam Gambhir-led Indian team management for showing faith in Ruturaj Gaikwad despite his failure in the first ODI in Ranchi. Gaikwad, who was handed the unfamiliar No. 4 role, managed only eight runs in the series opener, prompting questions about his place in the XI.
However, he delivered a resounding response in the second ODI against South Africa, smashing a brilliant 105 off 83 balls to silence his critics and justify the team’s backing.
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“Nothing happens in one match. The management deserves credit. He (Gaikwad) showed what he can do and even his running between the wickets was excellent. With Tilak Varma and Rishabh Pant in the reserves, Ruturaj Gaikwad ensured with his century that questions about playing him at No. 4 won’t be asked for a while. By delivering at No. 4, Ruturaj Gaikwad has told the selectors and the management that even if you bat at an unfamiliar number, I’ll produce,” Pathan said on his YouTube channel.
One aspect that left fans and experts disappointed after the second ODI was the performance of India’s pace attack, Prasidh Krishna, Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh, as they were unable to prevent South Africa from successfully chasing 359. However, using Gaikwad’s resurgence as an example, Pathan emphasised that the fast bowlers too deserve continued backing, especially in challenging conditions.
“Like I said for the fast bowlers, if India had dropped Ruturaj Gaikwad after his failure in the first ODI, would he have scored a century? No. That’s why it’s important to persist,” Pathan said.
India will face South Africa in the series-deciding third ODI on Saturday, December 6, as they look to avoid back-to-back defeats in the 50-over format. The Men in Blue recently went down 2-1 in an away series against Australia and will be keen to bounce back. With the decider set to be played in Visakhapatnam, seasoned stars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, both of whom boast excellent records at the venue, will be expected to step up and guide India to a series-clinching victory.
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