Deeply impressed by India’s outshining performance against South Africa, former cricket captain Sourav Ganguly has opined that the Proteas have not been outplayed like this in a “long long time” and Indian side can certainly gain a lot of courage from such a wonderful display. He said, “I don’t remember South Africa being outplayed like this in a long long time.”
The best part remains that Shikhar Dhawan has gained back his form against Pakistan with a timely 73, and add to that his 137 at the MCG yesterday, especially keeping in view the fact that he has given a stunning performence against one of the most potent bowling attacks of the world. Dhawan’s innings was graced with 16 fours and 2 sixes and therefore Dada was all praise for a fellow left-hander. A delighted Ganguly said, “That innings against Pakistan has given Shikhar (Dhawan) just the kind of confidence he desperately needed and he showed great temperament to build on from where he left the other day to score a magnificent hundred”.
However, we must endorse that if Dhawan’s seventh ODI ton was the prime highlight of the Indian innings then the timely vital contribution of Virat Kohli (46) and Ajinkya Rahane (79) also played an important role in the crucial victory of Team India. Further, Ganguly still realizes that the misfiring middle-order should find form. He emphasized, “It is essential for the likes of Suresh Raina, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja to find some form in the tournament. Largely Team India has been dependent on Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane to score runs but the contribution from India’s middle order will play a crucial part as the tournament progresses”.
It is a known fact that the 127-run second wicket partnership between Kohli and Dhawan enabled India to post 307 for seven after electing to bat first. An expert Dada opined that he felt confident of an Indian victory after the team crossed the 250-run barrier. He said, “The moment India past 250 run mark, I was confident India will win.”
The South Africans – treated as one of a deadly batting force – collapsed like a pack of cards to be flattened for 177 in 40.2 overs against a well disciplined Indian attack. Ganguly pointed out that getting Hashim Amla (22) and AB de Villiers (30) proved to be the key of turning the things around. He said, “It was crucial to get Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers out early as South Africa lacked depth in their batting. Wayne Parnell and Vernon Philander at number 7 and 8 meant South Africa didn’t have enough depth in their batting and it cost them dearly”.
As far as the next encounter is concerned, Team India is bubbling with confidence. Most of the fans have got a positive feeling that Team India has become a force to reckon with and will be able to hold back the title through their hard work and a bit of luck. We have got one of the best skipper along with a firebrand couple of Dhawan and Kohli after all.