India in South Africa - Cricket Forum | Cricket Discussion Forum

India's performance in yesterday's was simply pathetic. They knew the rain might come anytime, there was no need to go for shorts.All they had to do was just conserve wickets.

Don't they know that DuckWorth Lewis is SA's biggest enemy till date ?

For SA , great match to win and they deserved to win it.Esp from the situation they came back is really commendable

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Race to No 1 again ... started!

Not sure of three Zuhair , but Virat easily filled in for Gambhir this series,Shewag was not in great touch, so you could count him out.Yes we are missing Sachin, but even SA is missing Kallis.

They would be happier only because the close game went their way, but looking at scoreline 2-2 would not make them proud.This Indian team is different.

Race to No 1 again ... started!

Originally posted by zuhair_abbasi

They wont be proud but wont be utterly disappointed either. Who will go once the top three return Raj? I personally think it will be Raina.

No Zuhair, though Virat's contributions are huge. Raina will retain his place in WC XI.

1. Virat is a slow starter and he needs 1-down position.He too can accelerate, but Raina is just a little bit more suited for lower down the order.

2. Raina is naturally aggressive and in sub-continent pitches he will be sure of low bounce.Virat suits 1/2 down at max,not below that.

3. Raina can hit from ball one and is much better spinner than virat.

Virat is a great competator and I can see constant improvement in him, Raina is finished product with few flaws (which is very difficult to get rid of, just like with ganguly had still finished his career along with it).Virat's hunger to perform and score runs scares me.That is one mark of a great player.On top of all this he has a stable head now, when he came to scene he was bit of wild child.Now looks really composed.

Race to No 1 again ... started!

Unfortunately yes, Gambhir is an opener but is comming 1 down, Virat at best can be pushed down to No.4.Yuvraj has to come at No. 4. Dhoni can come anywhere. Yousuf is a hit and miss (He showed some maturity, but I am not sure his long term) , but on subcontinent pitches his big hitting + useful offspin makes him a must.

It's a toss up between Virat and Raina for me. Toughest decision to take.I just hope it does not have a adverse reverse effect on them.Both fighting for a place will put undue pressure.

I think it was decided that Virat is backup at 1-down slot , while Raina was assured No.5/6 slot.

Race to No 1 again ... started!

Heavy showers were predicted for 3rd ODI too, then there was not a single drop of rain

. I just pray that we get a full 100 overs match.

Rain go away, please.

Race to No 1 again ... started!

Sam, Raina is an extremely dangerous player and the same is for Yuvraj. They both will at least start the first few games for India. Kohli is very good but Raina has been superb for India in the shorter format.

In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage.

Chris Gayle is by far more dangerous Raj, Pollard and Yousuf Pathan has never decimated the ones that Gayle has done. Pollard has been a bully to 'domestic' bowlers and Pathan mainly gets his off the slower guys. Gayle takes anyone to the cleaners, except Chaminda Vaas ofcourse.

In troubled times, being philosophical helps a great deal, it helps you to remain sane and not do any further damage.

Originally posted by MalhotraRaj84

Pollard and Yousuf are the currently world's most dangerous hitters.No one even comes close, even by a mile.

No one? Think again buddy. Guess you did not see what Razzaq did to SAF just recently and has been doing the same for a good 11 years. And for good measure, check http://www.espncricinfo.com/magazine/content/story/497612.html

No surprise that D/L made an appearance yesterday , it's been pouring down up there for weeks now. SA deserved their victory , they usually go well at Centurion. Yousuf sent it to all parts , but they were always under pressure after the rain.
3-2 then with Smith playing like a novice , Amla sublime - he'll get plenty in the world cup as well.

Mental disintegration works for me !!

They're not the finished article by any means mate - in fact no current side is , which could see a surprise winner this time around.

Mental disintegration works for me !!

Originally posted by zuhair_abbasi

I won't be surprised if the current holders retain the championship.

Obviously they've a chance , but there are teams out there better suited to the conditions. There's still question marks surrounding Ponting and Clarke's form - the teams that post winning scores will be getting the majority of their runs from the top 3 or 4. Funnily enough , as bad as England are playing just now , I still think they'll be close.

Mental disintegration works for me !!

Pathan has certainly surprised me but still by no means are Pathan and Pollard most dangerous, saying "by a mile" is a joke.

India's weaknesses have shown up, the bowling, well, in the subcontinent the likes of Praveen and Nehra will do what? I wonder! Ashwin alone is an excellent pick, Ojha would have been a better pick than Chawla.

Hashim will be the man to watch out for in the WC. With Kallis back in and Tahir certain to debut RSA will be a very formidable side, Their mental strength will be their biggest challenge though.

Anyways congrats to RSA. India have lost their first series since Oct 2009.

God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you!

Tahir and Kallis' inclusion will make a big difference spinny. But yes, they are chokers, still hard to believe they lost that 2nd ODI.

God is a better planner... so whenever u'r plan fails, cheer up... God has a better plan for you!