India suffered a seven-wicket defeat against South Africa in the Johannesburg Test. On this, the former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria said that the duo of Virat Kohli and head coach Rahul Dravid should've helped KL Rahul during the second Test at the Wanderers. KL Rahul was leading the Indian team in the absence of Virat Kohli.
"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 criticise 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," Kaneria said on his official YouTube channel.
“They should've told them to make bowling changes in short burst. All the three pacers, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj should've bowled in short bursts and kept the ball in the corridor. They should've packed the off-stump and bowled on that line,” Kaneria added.
South Africa won the second Test of the three-match series against India on Thursday and levelled the series 1-1. South Africa captain, Dean Elgar scored an unbeaten 96 in the final innings of the match, and made the run chase look easy for the Proteas.
Kaneria heaped praises on the South African team for their fight in the second Test and said that it would be “difficult” for the men in blue to make a comeback in the third and final Test if the bowling doesn't improve.
“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,” said Kaneria.
India will play South Africa next in Cape town. This will be India’s golden chance to win a Test Series in South Africa for the very first time.
