Debasis Sen, Johannesburg: Indian opener Shikhar Dhawan on Saturday defended Chahal and Kuldeep for getting thrashed at the hands of Proteas batsmen Miller and Klaasen. The left hander, who also became the highest run-getter for India and the second highest in the world after 100 ODIs, blamed the rain break during the South African innings that caused the outfield to get wet.
“It makes a difference when the ball gets wet. The spinners cannot turn it that much and that made a difference for us. Of course, South Africans played very well,” said Dhawan during the post match conference.
He added, “They are young and have been bowling very well. Anyone can have a bad day. These two have won three games for us. Sometimes, luck favours the opposition too and not just our side. It favoured Miller. It’s not a thing that happens every time. It is important to go through failures too to learn in your life. It’s just one loss. We’ve already won three games so one more game and we’re through.”
Kuldeep conceded 51 runs in his six overs while Chahal cost 68 runs in 5.3 overs, which paved the way for the hosts to chase the total successfully.
According to the opener, the main reason for the turnaround in the match was the dropped catch and the wet conditions due to the rain.
“We dropped a catch, then a wicket came off a no-ball (both chances went to David Miller). The momentum changed from there. Otherwise, we were in a very good position. But the rain had an impact too. Our Spinners couldn’t turn the ball or grip the ball the way they did in the last three matches. That’s the main reason why we lost.”
Dhawan also defended Kohli’s decision to bat first after winning the toss.
“We thought that the ball swings a bit in the evening breeze which is why we decided to bat first. The wicket gets faster as the deck gets hard. It had extra bounce too. “Unfortunately it rained (during South African innings), and that made a bit of a difference. Miller, of course, played very well. Luck was on his side though. At first, he got dropped and then got bowled off a no-ball. Usually our spinners don’t bowl no-balls. But that happens. He took that chance with both hands and changed the momentum of the game,” said Dhawan.