Sunil Gavaskar provides his blunt analysis of India’s 2nd ODI loss to South Africa, explaining why Yashasvi Jaiswal’s dropped catch of Aiden Markram did not solely cost the match. (Image Credit: X/ @just_k_18, AFP)
The moment of drama arrived when Aiden Markram was on 53. The second ball of the 18th over saw Jaiswal misjudge a regulation catch at long-on off Kuldeep Yadav.
Had that wicket fallen, India could have exposed South Africa's middle order under pressure. Instead, Markram went on to score 110 off 98 balls, anchoring one of the most calculated run chases against India in ODIs.
While Jaiswal’s drop was an aberration, India’s fielding otherwise collapsed under the heavy dew. A wet ball ensured less grip, less effective spin and yorkers turning into low full tosses.
Several misfields and fumbles leaked runs at critical junctures. The Indian bowlers never managed any semblance of control, allowing South Africa's batters to maintain the asking rate within reach throughout the innings.
When asked if the drop cost India the match, Sunil Gavaskar called an end to the narrative straightaway.
He stressed the fact that a single mistake does not define a 50-over game while highlighting South Africa's incredibly skilled batting performance: smartly built partnerships, thoughtfully taken risks, and pressure handled maturely.
He said blaming one player for it all oversimplifies a much deeper issue.
Despite posting 358/5, India fell short because of:
An even bigger total seemed insufficient as the ball didn't grip, and bowlers didn't respond well under pressure.
Quite so.
Jaiswal's drop was a moment, but India's defeat was the result of many small cracks widening simultaneously.
