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KL Rahul explains key reasons behind India's shocking loss in 2nd ODI vs South Africa

Debashis Sarangi

KL Rahul [Source: AFP]KL Rahul [Source: AFP]

India had an off day on the field last night, as South Africa swatted them aside by four wickets to restore parity in the ongoing three-match ODI series. Although India posted 358 runs on the board, South Africa chased the target comfortably, riding on spectacular knocks from Aiden Markram, Matthew Breetzke and Dewald Brevis. After the game concluded, captain KL Rahul explained the key factors behind India's unexpected defeat in Raipur. 

KL Rahul reveals reasons behind India's loss in 2nd ODI vs SA

After South Africa won the toss and elected to bowl first, Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad set the tone for a massive total for the Indian side. While Kohli slammed 102 runs, CSK skipper Gaikwad played a magnificent knock, contributing 105 runs off just 83 deliveries. 

However, despite the rollicking start, India could score only 74 runs in the final ten overs, with Ravindra Jadeja earning massive backlash for his 27-ball 24. 

KL Rahul reckoned that the toss played a pivotal role, as the Indian bowlers found it incredibly tough to bowl under dew in the second half. That said, the stand-in skipper also acknowledged that given the start they had, India should've been a bit more proactive with the bat and scored an additional 20-25 runs. 

"Thought we did well in the last game. Today the umpires were nice to change the ball. Toss plays a big role, so I'm kicking myself," Rahul said.
"There is always things we could have done better. With the bat, I know that 350 looks good, but that has been the chat in the dressing room even after the last game about how we can get the extra 20-25 runs to give bowlers a cushion with the wet ball," he added. 

India's loss in the Raipur ODI ensured South Africa restored parity, with the scoreline reading one-all. The decider will be played on December 6 at Dr Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA–VDCA Cricket Stadium in Visakhapatnam.