Fighting fifties by Virat Kohli (65), Shikhar Dhawan (61), and Deepak Chahar (54) went in vain as South Africa completed a hat-trick of wins
Chahar's fighting fifty (54 off 34 balls) went in vain as the hosts beat India by four runs in the third and final ODI to complete a 3-0 whitewash in the three-match series, here on Sunday
The head coach also admitted that the side missed the likes of Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel, who give much-needed all-round options to the side.
All in all, the limited overs series turned out to be one of the most disappointing outings for India in recent years
India had suffered a 31-run loss in the first ODI while the KL Rahul-led side suffered a seven-wicket loss in the second game of the three-match series
South Africa eased to a comfortable win in the second ODI against India on Friday
South Africa's batter Janneman Malan heaped praises on his opening partner Quinton de Kock after South Africa's series-clinching 2nd ODI win against India at Boland Park on Friday
Rishabh Pant played role of an enforcer to perfection with a career-best 85 off 71 balls as India managed to set up a competitive 288-run victory target against South Africa in second ODI on Friday.
With very little time to rest, India will be hoping to put up a better batting show and make a turnaround against South Africa in the second ODI at Boland Park on Friday.
India opening batter Shikhar Dhawan on Wednesday said that losing wickets in a cluster cost his side in the first ODI against South Africa
After suffering a 31-run defeat, India skipper KL Rahul on Wednesday said that the middle-order of his team couldn't get going and they needed more partnerships
Skipper Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen struck contrasting hundreds en route to their 204-run stand to take South Africa to 296 for four in the first ODI against India here on Wednesday. After a sluggish start, van der Dussen (129 not out off 96) and Bavuma (110 off 143) shared the second highest partnership ever against India in ODIs to ensure a competitive total for the home team. Jasprit Bumrah (2/48) was the stand out bowler for India in an otherwise ordinary bowling effort. South Africa opted to bat on a slow surface at Boland Park. The white ball did a bit early on with both Bumrah and Bhuvneshwar Kumar getting to move it off the pitch as well as in the air. After an inaccurate first over, the usually accurate Bumrah got his act together and had opener Janneman Malan (6) caught behind with an outswinger. Expecting an incoming ball, Malan was caught on the crease with his loose push taking the outside edge. South Africa struggled to 39 for one in 10 overs with Indian .
Whether he is batting in the middle or fielding at the boundary line, Kohli's every move is tracked but some of that attention will now have to be shared by Rahul
Kohli's presence in the Indian playing eleven as a mere player for the first time in seven years will be keenly followed
The last time India came to South Africa in 2018, they won the six-match series 5-1
India's seven-wicket loss to South Africa in the series-deciding third Test has cost them a top four spot as Virat Kohli and his men slipped to the fifth position in World Test Championship standings.
South African skipper Dean Elgar said the DRS controversy offered them a "window" to have a go at the target with the Virat Kohli-led Indian team getting distracted by their on-field chatter
India cricket team has been cautioned by Andy Pycroft, the match referee for the third Test match, after Virat Kohli and his teammates vented their ire over a DRS decision
South Africa on Friday defeated India in the third and final Test to clinch the three-match series 2-1
The Dean Elgar-led side showed immense resilience to win back-to-back matches at the Wanderers and Newlands to upset the firm favourites