This game was completely taken away from us: MS Dhoni

This game was completely taken away from us: MS Dhoni: South Africa hammered India by 214 runs and won the series by ODI series 3-2. The Indians failed to even compete in this all important match and gave another glimpse of their deteriorating standards in ODI cricket. Batting first the visitors amassed 438/4 and hundreds from de Kock, du Plessis and de Villiers deflated the Indian bowlers. Barring Rahane who scored a brilliant 87 off 58 and to some extent Dhawan who scored 60 off 59, the rest of the batting failed to deliver and got out to loose shots. India was eventually bowled out for 224.

At the post-match presentation ceremony the Indian skipper said the game was completely taken away from his team and that this can happen in cricket.

MS Dhoni said: “It was a lot humid. We started off very well, but they kept going once they got the partnership. Once they started to accelerate, it was almost impossible for us to stop them. There was no turn for the spinners and our pacers don’t get the same amount of bounce as the South African bowlers do. Because of the start they got, over 350 was on the cards even if we bowled really well. All three hundreds (talking about de Kock, du Plessis and de Villiers) hurt as it was scored at a brisk pace. We lost it in the last 25 overs with the ball. The only way we could have got this is if one of our batsmen scored 150. I think the spinners fought hard throughout the series. We know that on this wicket, if it is on the flatter side, it is easy to hit sixes. Overall, nothing worked for us. There were occasions in the series where we should have done slightly better. But it was a decent series overall. This game was completely taken away from us. It happens in cricket. Otherwise a good performance from the team. I want the boys to enjoy the Test series. One session can change the game. They all know how to enjoy Test cricket and we’ve got a good team. We’ve got the fast bowlers to exploit reverse swing, but I think the spinners will hold the key.”

The winning captain and the man of the series AB de Villiers said: “A very enjoyable performance today. I think we assessed the conditions nicely. The openers gave a nice foundation and gave us freedom to enjoy ourselves towards the end. Faf du Plessis played an incredible innings. It’s a really good series win for us. He (Rabada) is an amazing bowler. He loves to learn and the potential he has shown is incredible. It’s never easy touring India. It was a great series. It’s always a great challenge when these two teams meet and I am very proud of the performance. I try to keep it as simple as possible (talking about his batting). I just try and watch the ball and enjoy as much as possible. It’s an amazing experience to come here and hear all the support. It’s a loud crowd here. A great day for South African cricket today. We haven’t won a bilateral series here before and it’s a proud moment.”

The man of the match Quinton de Kock made a fluent 109 off 87 and set it up beautifully for the other batsmen to come and dominate the Indian bowling.

de Kock said: “I don’t know what to say. I think they make good wickets here in India. I just had a good series, I am happy with my batting. Growing up I’ve always tried to get better at my keeping. I’ve never really been the best keeper around, I’ve worked hard at it and it’s good to see the results.”

(Quotes source espncricinfo commentary)

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