India vs South Africa 2022: 3rd ODI – Talking points and Who Said What

Things looked bleak for the Indian team after a disheartening loss in the series opener against South Africa. But a young Indian team led by veteran opening batter Shikhar Dhawan completed a resounding comeback in the series in the third ODI in Delhi to clinch the three-match series 2-1.

As India stitched together back-to-back comprehensive victories in the series, let us look at the talking points from the series finale before listening to the comments of the two skippers.

Mohammed Siraj Australia bound?

India's T20I contingent is currently warming up to the T20 World Cup in Australia without their 15th squad member after Jasprit Bumrah's injury ruled him out from the impending tournament. With Mohammed Shami's fitness shrouded in ambiguity, Mohammed Siraj has provided his chances a major boost after a scintillating bowling display in the third ODI. His opening spell set up the win for India in the series finale.

Indian spin department is in good hands

While Kuldeep Yadav grabbed the headlines after getting rid of four Protean batters in four over spell, it was the young spinning duo of Washington Sundar and Shahbaz Ahmed who caught the eye by sharing four wickets between them. Sundar opened the floodgates for India by dismissing Quinton de Kock in the powerplay before Shahbaz produced two jaffas to prize out Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaasen. 

What next for South Africa?

South Africa came into the series with hopes of claiming crucial points for the automatic qualification to next year's World Cup against a second string Indian side. They started off well after defeating India on the first ODI but failed to lay a glove on the hosts in the following two games to end the series in a whimper. They will need to pick themselves up for the impending T20 World Cup in Australia, which would suit their players.

Winning skipper, Shikhar Dhawan said:

I am proud of the boys, the way they played in the series. The way they carried the responsibiity and showed maturity. Would like to thank the support staff. We showed a lot of character in the first game, we dropped a few catches, but we never really put pressure on ourselves. We tried to stick to the process. I am enjoying the journey, I'll try to keep performing well for my team. The boys showed great character on such tough batting pitches.

Losing skipper David Miller said:

It was very tough. Didn't help scoring just 99. Disappointing result today, to finish off the series in that way. There was a bit of spin, and it was two paced, it was tacky as it was under covers due to the rain. We were really good in certain areas, we managed to find our feet. We just need to extend the good periods when it comes to ODIs.

Player of the match Kuldeep Yadav said:

Feeling very happy, to be honest. Getting the Player of the Match award, the wicket was perfect and I am enjoying my bowling. I am not thinking too much about the result, just focusing on the process and focusing on my rhythm. I am trying to bowl in good areas. Not thinking too much, my next target is to perform well in Syed Mushtaq Ali tournament.

Player of the series Mohammed Siraj said:

Performing against a good team gives you a lot of confidence. I had to take the responsibility. I try to figure out the right lengths at the start of the innings. As a fast bowler you need that fire and passion inside you. Happy with my performance, and happy to get this Player of the Series award.