Depressing show

Chasing a small target has proved to be a bane for Indian Cricket team. Though our bowlers bowled out the South African team for a paltry score in their first innings, our so called world class batsmen were made to dance by the SA bowlers, especially their spinner Simon Harmer.

Of course, there could be some excuse about Gill injury. But I feel he too may have struggled to score. Harmer and other bowlers were able to bundle our team for just 189 — 30 runs lead in their first innings. Once again our bowlers, this time led by Jadeja were able to account for seven wickets for just 91 runs.

However, the acting captain, Pant proved to be a novice and erred in opening the bowling with two spinners on Day three to allow SA Captain Temba Bavuma who stood tall even in the face of ridicule, to add vital 44 runs partnership with Corbin Bosch, which proved to be the defeat margin. If only he bowled Bumrah and Siraj in the morning, who knows the target could have been less than 100. Well, once again our batsmen proved that they are vulnerable to quality spin bowling.

Last time it was 3-0 drubbing by New Zealand and this year it could be South Africa. Incidentally, it was foolish of our Coach & Captain to play all rounders instead of batsmen, who could stick to the wicket and score runs. Hope they mend their biased attitude and select players based on horses for courses.

Vinay Mahadevan,

Al Nahda 1, Dubai