Former India head coach Sanjay Bangar lauded the brilliant batting performance of Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad in the second ODI against South Africa in Raipur. The duo stitched together a commanding 195-run partnership off just 156 deliveries for the third wicket, stabilizing India’s innings after an early wobble. Bangar particularly praised Gaikwad for pacing his innings at No.4, easing the pressure on Kohli and allowing the senior batter to play his natural game.
“Today’s innings was special because after the first 20 runs, Kohli understood that the pitch offered opportunities if he batted carefully,” Sanjay Bangar said during a discussion on Star Sports. “With Ruturaj at the other end, pacing his innings perfectly, things became much easier for him.”
Sanjay Bangar also highlighted Kohli’s adaptability, noting how he played second fiddle while Ruturaj Gaikwad accelerated the scoring.
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“Ruturaj went far ahead in terms of strike rate, but Kohli wasn’t affected. He increased the pace whenever required. Even though he hit fewer sixes, his strike rate was impressive. That balance between the two is incredible,” he added.
India posted a competitive 358/5, thanks to centuries from Kohli (102 off 93) and Gaikwad (105 off 83). Standby ODI captain KL Rahul contributed an unbeaten 66 off 43 balls, while Ravindra Jadeja remained not out on 24 off 27, adding crucial late-order momentum.
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However, India’s total proved insufficient as South Africa’s Aiden Markram stole the show with a magnificent 110 off 98 balls. Contributions from Temba Bavuma, Matthew Breetzke, and Dewald Brevis, followed by composure from Corbin Bosch and Keshav Maharaj, guided the visitors to a thrilling win.
The series-deciding third ODI is scheduled for December 6 at the ACA-VDCA Stadium in Visakhapatnam, promising a high-stakes showdown between the two teams.
