The second T20I loss by India to South Africa has had short term consequences which include the series as well as the team set up in India. The defeat made the point of difference between India a narrow one to relocate the series into an equal fight once again, and cast new doubt on the tactics and performance of the team in the shortest possible format. The loss has also found coach Gautam Gambhir in the firing line as it has turned out that even in T20 cricket coaching decisions and dressing-room politics are heavily criticized.
A video clip recorded in the Indian dressing room after the match went viral in the social media. It also featured Gambhir having what seemed to be a serious talk with star all rounder Hardik Pandya who is also the vice-captain of the India T 20 I team. Although the audio of the footage was not clear enough to prove what exactly was said in the conversation, the body language of the two created a lot of speculation and debates on the internet. Cricket fans and analysts started speculating on the question of what went wrong, and whether the discussion indicated the presence of a performance tension or strategy tension.
The actual game put underline a number of pressure points to India. The batting order did not get a steady march going and lagged behind in the pursuit of an intimidating target of 215 runs. One of the main finishers Hardik Pandya only made 20 off 23, which is not a good score at the stage when acceleration should be taking place. Shots that would have changed the momentum did not come, the innings were stagnating in low gear too long. Failure to establish partnerships and speed at the appropriate time by the team ended up giving South Africa the advantage to lead the hunt.
This loss has put India under stress in regard to reviewing its strategy in the remaining matches. The team management and strategic moves of Gambhir coupled with the capacity to deliver in a pressurized situation are now under scrutiny all over as the series is now well positioned.
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