Team India went down by nine runs in the first match of the three-match ODI series against South Africa in Lucknow on Thursday, October 6. The match that went to the last over, but the visitors held their nerves to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Chasing 240 runs in 40 overs, they fell short despite heroics from Sanju Samson (86*) and Shreyas Iyer (50). Other batters, including Dhawan (four) and Shubman Gill (three), failed to get going in Lucknow.
The Men in Blue will hope to bounce back in the second game of the series and level terms. On that note, let’s take a look at three changes India can make in the second ODI of the series.
#1 Rahul Tripathi for Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj Gaikwad made his ODI debut in the first ODI against South Africa in Lucknow on Thursday. However, he struggled to get going against the likes of Kagiso Rabada and Wayne Parnell, scoring only 19 runs off 42 balls.
Interestingly, Ruturaj failed to rotate the strike during the entire innings, which was one of the main reasons India failed to chase down 240 runs.
With Rahul Tripathi in the squad, the think tank might consider bringing him in to add some firepower in the batting unit. Tripathi has performed well in domestic cricket and IPL and surely the India can benefit from his form.
#2 Mukesh Kumar for Avesh Khan
Avesh Khan has been in poor form for some time now. In the first ODI against South Africa, Avesh conceded 51 runs without taking a wicket in eight overs on a bowling-friendly pitch in Lucknow.
Avesh’s poor form can open doors for Mukesh Kumar, who earned his maiden India call for this series. Mukesh has been in tremendous form in recent times and will be a good addition to this bowling line up. With his ability to swing the ball both ways, he can trouble the South African batters with the new ball.
#3 Rajat Patidar for Ishan Kishan
Ishan Kishan, who was dropped from India’s T20 squad, also struggled with form in the first ODI against South Africa. Kishan was given the opportunity to bat at No. 4, but he scored just 20 runs off 37 balls.
Rajat Patidar might get a chance to make his debut in the second ODI in place of Ishan Kishan. Patidar, who represented the Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2022, has been in great form.
He has scored centuries in IPL, Ranji Trophy final and India A in recent times and surely he can be successful in international cricket as well.
Written by Parag Mogale
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