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India vs South Africa 2015 2nd ODI: Player Ratings

Axar Patel’s spell propelled India to capitalise on Dhoni’s heroic knock with a victory

In a nail-biting slugfest at the Holkar Stadium in Indore, India edged South Africa to register a win and level the ODI series. MS Dhoni’s gallant innings was complemented by a spirited performance by the bowlers.

When India won the toss and opted to bat, MS Dhoni would never have thought of coming into bat in as soon as the 19th over. Apart from Rahane’s 51, Dhoni did not receive any support from his batsmen. However, he single-handedly hauled India to a competitive score of 247.

As South Africa began their chase with aggression, Dhoni turned to the spinners for a solution. Axar Patel produced a remarkable spell to dismiss the top-order and pull his team back into the match. Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s death-bowling and a fighting effort from the fielders helped India to a remarkable come-from-behind victory in the 2nd ODI.

Let us take a look at the player ratings for the thrilling encounter. All players are rated through a maximum of 10 points.

India

Rohit Sharma – 4

Rohit who has been on a hot streak throughout the tour could not carry on his form in Indore. Never looking set, the South African new-ball bowlers troubled him with extra pace. His 10-ball stay came to an end when his stumps were clattered by an incoming delivery from Kagiso Rabada.

Shikhar Dhawan – 5

Dhawan who came into the match on the back of poor form, began with assurance and conviction. He played a few exquisite shots through the off-side and looked at ease against the likes of Steyn and Rabada. However, his stay was halted by a slower delivery from Morkel. Even JP Duminy who completed the simple catch was surprised at the soft dismissal.

Ajinkya Rahane – 7

Rahane started his innings with authority as he smashed Dale Steyn 3 boundaries in an over. Even though he was involved in a terrible mix-up with Virat Kohli, Rahane continued to score freely by rotating the strike. When he looked set to consolidate, Imran Tahir bowled him around his legs.

Virat Kohli – 6.5

Arriving into the match with a string of low scores, Kohli looked intent to turn things around at the Holkar Stadium. In his customary style, he looked to get himself into the scheme of things before playing his shots. After a brief partnership with Rahane, Kohli set off for a non-existent couple only to find himself stranded at the non-strikers end. However, he redeemed himself with 3 crucial catches during India’s defence of 247.

Suresh Raina – 3.5

When Raina came into the crease in the 23rd over, AB De Villiers immediately brought back Morne Morkel to kick start the bouncer barrage. After an uncomfortable stay in the crease, he was put out of his misery by being strangled down the leg-side, courtesy a short-ball. He also bowled a couple of overs and conceded 18 runs.

MS Dhoni – 9

Under immense pressure from all quarters, Dhoni silenced his critics with an excellent innings. Not finding any tangible support from the other end, the skipper enacted the role of the proverbial lone warrior with pure grit. His 92* came off just 86 balls and ensured that India had a fighting chance to outsmart the South African batsmen. His captaincy was also in sync with the requirements as he managed to defend a moderate total against a power-packed South African batting unit.

Axar Patel – 8

With figures of 10-0-39-3, Axar Patel was the stand-out bowler in the match. His accuracy and control accounted for the vital wickets of Amla, Du Plessis and Duminy to enable the hosts to stage a comeback. Even though he was unable to contribute with the bat, his match-winning spell ensured that India emerged victorious.

Harbhajan Singh – 7

Coming into bat when India were tottering at 165/7, Harbhajan overcame a jittery start to provide support to his captain and chipped in with an useful 22. Later, he showed glimpses of his old magic as he snared Quinton De Kock who had blazed away to a quick-fire start and sealed the match for India by dismissing the last recognized batsman in Farhaan Behardien.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar – 7.5

Bhuvneshwar Kumar stitched an impressive bowling performance with his steady line and length. In his second spell, he got rid of David Miller. When the dying moments of the match was unveiled, he removed Imran Tahir and Morne Morkel.

Umesh Yadav – 5

With his extra pace, Yadav could have been a handful on a surface which assisted the quick bowlers. But, he was wayward in his 1st spell as he was handled with disdain by the Protea openers. His figures read 8-0-52-1.

Mohit Sharma – 6

He was the man responsible for eliminating the versatile AB De Villiers from the encounter. Mohit maintained the pressure on the South African batsmen by not offering any respite.

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