Legendary Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh has issued a crucial challenge to the national cricket team's think-tank. Following South Africa's stunning record chase to level the ODI series, Harbhajan emphasized the urgent need for India to cultivate the ability to win matches even in the absence of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah.
A Bowling Collapse Under Dewy Conditions
On Wednesday, a Temba Bavuma-led South African side scripted history at Boland Park in Paarl. They successfully hunted down a mammoth target of 359 runs to square the three-match series 1-1. The Indian bowling unit, which had looked potent in the first game, unraveled under pressure and heavy dew.
The spin trio of Kuldeep Yadav, Washington Sundar, and Ravindra Jadeja failed to make significant inroads. Meanwhile, pacers Harshit Rana and Prasidh Krishna endured a torrid night. Prasidh's spell proved particularly expensive, conceding 82 runs in just 8.2 overs, which heavily influenced the match's outcome. Arshdeep Singh was the lone bright spot with figures of 2/54.
Harbhajan's Frank Assessment and Suggestions
Speaking candidly on his YouTube channel, Harbhajan Singh dissected the bowling woes. He pointed out the stark difference in the attack's potency with and without Bumrah. "With Bumrah, this is a different bowling attack, and without Bumrah, it is entirely different attack altogether. We have to learn the art of winning games without Jasprit Bumrah," he stated.
The veteran of 103 Tests also questioned the absence of experienced campaigner Mohammed Shami and suggested looking at fresh spin options. "Where is Shami? I don't know why Shami is not playing... You had good bowlers, and you have slowly sidelined them," he remarked. Harbhajan proposed giving mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy a chance in the 50-over format as well, noting his presence in the T20I setup.
How the Epic Chase Unfolded
The foundation for the drama was laid by India's batters after being put in to bat. Early wickets of Rohit Sharma (14) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (22) brought Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad together. The pair constructed a magnificent 195-run partnership for the third wicket, both scoring centuries. Kohli made 102 off 93 balls, while Gaikwad smashed 105 from just 83 deliveries.
KL Rahul's blistering unbeaten 66 and Jadeja's support propelled India to a formidable 358/5. However, South Africa's response was fearless. After Quinton de Kock's early dismissal, skipper Bavuma (46) and Aiden Markram rebuilt the innings. Markram led the charge with a brilliant 110 off 98 balls, his first ODI century as an opener.
The match decisively swung in the Proteas' favor during a explosive 92-run stand between Matthew Breetzke (68) and the young Dewald Brevis, who hammered 54 off only 34 balls. Despite late twists from injuries to Nandre Burger and Tony de Zorzi, Keshav Maharaj and Corbin Bosch held their nerve to seal a famous four-wicket victory with four balls to spare.
The result sets up a tantalizing series decider on Saturday, leaving the Indian team with much to ponder regarding their bowling resources and strategies in the absence of their premier fast bowler.
