5 Talking Points from India’s Thrilling win

‘A bolt from the blue’ – the phrase sums up the effort from the Men In Blue in Indore today.
A paltry score to defend against the high flying Proteas, was never going to be easy, but the Indians, ably led by their mercurial hero MS Dhoni, pulled it off in spectacular style. Here are a few takeaways from their magnificent fight back.

5) Proteas still prone to ‘choking’

The South Africans once again are left lamenting their dirty old habit, after they almost threw the game away with the middle order showing some needless desperation. The Du Plesis-Duminy partnership should have put the game to bed but instead the game did a 180. The Proteas need to be wary of these fearless Indians, if they are actually looking for glory in this series.  The fact remains that India seems to thrive under pressure, while the South Africans seem to end up with the short end of the stick.

4) Axar needs to contribute with the bat

The number seven slot has been a constant worry for India, since Jadeja’s dip in form over the last year or so. Axar Patel had come in since then but had not made the best of impressions. Today, however, was completely different. Axar bowled his heart out and was India’s best bowler but what remains a worry is his batting. Coming in at the crucial Number Seven slot, Axar needs atleast a ‘run a ball’ type of cameo to actually cement his place in the side. With Jadeja already staking a claim that he’s too good for domestic cricket with his recent exploits with the ball, Axar might not last long in the side.

3) Bhuvi India’s best bet

Recent off colour performances from this hard working seamer had critics questioning his abilities, but the UP seamer has pulled things back in spectacular style. With Umesh Yadav going for plenty at the start, the pressure was on the other seamers in the side to check the dangerous Protean middle order and Bhuvaneshwar delivered big time. His inch perfect line to David Miller sent the ‘killer’ packing. Holding his nerve brilliantly Bhuvi made sure he sealed the win for his country.

2) India still not even 80%

MS Dhoni was critical of his side after their stunning win in Indore. The skipper state that his team weren’t even at 80% of their complete potential. The Indians are pretty used to romping home in their backyard. It was good performance by India, but certainly there is room for improvement in all the departments, especially in their traditionally strong batting department. The batsmen once again had a bad day at the office but thankfully it didn’t cost them the game, only because of a certain MSD.

1) Dhoni doesn’t need proving, He is one of the best in the world.

Speaking of MSD, what an innings that was. An Unbeaten 92 off 88 deliveries, it was definitely a captain’s knock. Walking in to bat in a high pressure situation, Dhoni once again lent stability to an almost completely derailed Indian innings. Temperament and character are inherent ‘Dhonian’ qualities and  that cannot be taken away from India’s Captain Cool. His scintillating batting performance complemented his top notch captaincy on the field. When the captain leads from the front, the team aces the game. Today was no different for India.