(Cricket news) South Africa won the 2nd ODI by 7 wickets to win the series 2-0. The entire tour has been very disappointing for India who are clearly feeling the effects of Virat Kohli not being the captain anymore. The absence of Rohit Sharma, Mohammed Shami and Ravindra Jadeja doesn't help either

KL Rahul won the toss and elected to bat first. After a decent start India lost Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli in quick succession. Rishabh Pant came in to bat and had a good partnership with KL Rahul as they put together 115 runs. Pant scored 85 off just 71 balls before Tabraiz Shamsi picked up his wicket. The gloveman was the aggressor as he hit 10 boundaries and 2 maximums to get his highest ODI score. KL Rahul on the other hand was watchfull as he took 79 balls to score 55 but lost his wicket to Sisanda Mangala. Late strikes from Ravichandran Ashwin and Shardul Thakur got India to 287 runs in the first innings.

South Africa got off to a flying start as Quinton de Kock and Janeman Malan put together 132 runs for the 1st wicket. De Kock scored 78 off 66 before Shardul Thakur finally got the breakthrough. Janeman Malan was dismissed just 9 runs short of his hundred by Jasprit Bumrah. Yuzvendra Chahal also got the wicket of Temba Bavuma but it was too late. Aiden Markram and Rassie van der Dussen finished the game with 11 balls to spare. It is safe to say that the bowlers cost India the match. Bhuvneshwar Kumar in particular was very poor as he gave away 67 runs in 8 overs. Venkatesh Iyer did get a chance to bowl but failed to pick up a wicket in 5 overs.

While Indian bowlers are single handedly winning them matches in Test cricket, white ball cricket needs some sort of a change. The days of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal dismantling opposition in the middle overs look long gone. India needs a better plan. Even though the series is just the start of India's preparation for the World Cup, there is a long road for India to find the right team and strategy for the 50 over format. India will have nothing but pride to play for in the next game. It is very important for them to prevent a whitewash and end what has been a disappointing tour on a good note.

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