Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria feels that Virat Kohli and Rahul Dravid could have helped KL Rahul more on day-4 as the Karnataka batter was leading India for the first time. Notable that Virat Kohli was ruled out of this second test due to an upper back spasm.
South Africa skipper Dean Elgar led the hosts to a 7 wicket win to level the series by 1-1 as the third and final Test will be played from January 11 at Cape Town.
Kohli missed the second Test due to an upper back spasm
Analyzing the second Test on his Youtube Channel, Kaneria said that a little bit of involvement of Indian team management could have made the difference for India on day-4 as India managed only one wicket on day-4.
“Team India were on the backfoot, they should have made South Africa work hard for their runs. But that did not happen, they scored the remaining runs very easily. The bowling and the bowling changes were not good. Can’t criticize KL Rahul too much as he is captaining for the first time. But, the think tank of Kohli and Dravid should have sent instructions regarding the bowling changes and bowling areas,” Danish Kaneria said on his Youtube channel.
Kaneria feels that India missed a big opportunity to seal the series in Johannesburg as the hosts will be high on confidence going into the decider. He said that Indian bowling let them in the final innings.
“This win will give South Africa a lot of confidence heading into the third Test. India had a good opportunity to win this Test and seal the series. But if India bowl like this it would be difficult for them to win the third Test as well. Batters will have to contribute as well.”
This is the first-ever Test win for South Africa against India at this venue as previously India won two matches and drew three tests but finally, Dean Elgar & Co. managed to breach the fortress. Virat Kohli will likely be available for the third test however India’s record at Cape Town is not very encouraging as the visitors never won a test at this venue in their previous 5 attempts.