Post-mortem’ for Team-India after SA ODI whitewash

By Web Desk — On Monday, India’s cricket pundits called for changes in the team following South Africa’s one-day series whitewash following Virat Kohli’s departure as captain.

The Indians lost the third and final ODI in Cape Town by four runs to end a disappointing tour in which the tourists also lost the Test series 2-1. De Kock’s 124, which set up a tense win in the final 50-over match, came after two emphatic victories for the hosts.

“It’s a big deal for South Africa. Big. Congratulations. India needs a proper post-mortem now,” commented commentator Harsha Bhogle on Twitter. Due to an injury, KL Rahul captained the ODI team instead of white-ball leader Rohit Sharma.

With 65 points, Kohli, who quit as South Africa’s Test captain after the series loss, was the top scorer. During India’s chase of 288 runs, pace bowler Deepak Chahar hit a gritty 54 but was out with the team needing 10 runs to win, and the remaining two batters soon left the field.

The one thing that is lacking in this particular Indian side are the batters. None of them bowl three or four overs each,” former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar told Cricinfo.

“That is India’s goal with their 50-over team. It is not enough if they can’t find an obvious sixth bowling option…you also need pure batters who can chip in with some bowling.”

Sunil Gavaskar had supported Chahar’s selection after the first two losses, saying Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who went wicketless in two matches and gave away too many runs, had lost his edge.

In the first two ODIs, Gavaskar also told TV channel India Today that Rahul “had run out of ideas” during opposition partnerships. Cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra said the team could reinvent itself as a result of the losses.

The loss gives you the freedom to make bold decisions,” he said. White-ball cricket in India needs an overhaul…this this may be the beginning of a new approach.”