Dew, Toss and Missed Chances Cost India as South Africa Clinch Thrilling Second ODI Victory

Raipur, Dec 2025 : India captain K.L. Rahul admitted that the four-wicket loss to South Africa in the second One-Day International was made easier to accept due to the heavy dew that significantly influenced conditions during the chase. Despite posting a formidable total of 358 for 5 at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium on Wednesday, India watched as South Africa overhauled the target with four balls to spare in a gripping finish.

India’s innings was anchored by sublime centuries from Ruturaj Gaikwad and Virat Kohli, who stitched together a commanding 195-run partnership that laid the foundation for a massive score. Gaikwad was particularly impressive with his controlled aggression, while Kohli once again displayed his trademark consistency and class. Rahul chipped in with a valuable unbeaten 66, adding solidity in the death overs.

However, South Africa’s response was equally emphatic. Aiden Markram led the charge with a splendid 110, while Matthew Breetzke’s fluent 68 and Dewald Brevis’ explosive 54 ensured that the visitors remained firmly in the hunt throughout the chase. The presence of heavy dew in the second innings tilted the balance, making it extremely difficult for India’s bowlers to grip the ball and execute their plans.

Reflecting on the loss, Rahul said the conditions played a decisive role. “Considering how much dew there is and how difficult it is to bowl in the second innings, the umpires have been nice enough to change the ball. Toss plays a huge role, and I am kicking myself for losing the toss,” he said with a smile at the post-match presentation.

Still, Rahul did not shy away from acknowledging India’s shortcomings in the field and with the ball. “There are always things we could have done better. With the bat, I know that 350 looks good, but the conversation in the dressing room has been about how we can get an extra 20–25 runs to give our bowlers some cushion with the wet ball,” he explained.

Praising the batting display of Gaikwad and Kohli, Rahul said the partnership was a joy to watch from the non-striker’s end. “Rutu was beautiful to watch, especially the way he picked up the tempo after crossing his fifty. Virat, we’ve seen him do this so many times—he just goes about his job. That acceleration from Rutu gave us the extra 20 runs, but the lower order could have contributed a bit more,” he added.

Rahul also spoke about his batting position, revealing that he was originally slotted at No. 6 but walked in at No. 5 based on the match situation. “This is actually the first time I was named at six but came in at five. The partnership had set a strong tempo, and both Gautam bhai and I felt it was the right moment for me to step in and keep the momentum going,” Rahul said. He also noted that his recent form influenced the decision to promote him up the order.

Despite the defeat, India will take positives from their strong batting performance, especially the top order’s ability to dominate quality bowling attacks. However, concerns remain over their execution with the ball under dew-affected conditions, an area they will look to address before the next encounter.

With the series now finely balanced, the upcoming matches promise to be a stern test of India’s adaptability and tactical depth under pressure.

Team Maverick.