India faced a defeat in the first ODI due to a middle-order collapse which has been a familiar story in recent times. While chasing 296, India fell short by 31 runs which once looked achievable. The team management and head coach will be looking to make changes and stabilize their batting order. Meanwhile, the visitors will also expect a much-improved bowling effort in today’s’ match.

In the first ODI, Indian bowlers initially reduced the Proteas to 68/3, but a 204-run record partnership between Bavuma and van der Dussen put them in command. Indian bowlers failed to take wickets at crucial juncture when the pressure was on. Venkatesh Iyer, who made his ODI debut, was not given the ball to bowl. KL Rahul’s action has raised questions over Iyer’s role as an all-rounder.

Indian wicket-keeper batter Dinesh Karthik suggested that either Mohammad Siraj or Prasid Krishna should be in the playing XI for the second ODI. Karthik admitted that India lacked pace in the bowling set up to take wickets in the middle overs. Karthik told that these two bowlers are young and they can add the pace that India needs in the bowling attack.

Karthik felt that these quick bowlers can make the difference in the middle of the innings and give the breakthroughs. It is up to the management whether to rest Bumrah or Bhuvnesh Kumar. Karthik wants Iyer to bowl so that effect of picking such an all-rounder will not be negating. Karthik concluded that Men in Blue must put the pressure from ball one.