After a stalemate series against the proteas on the home turf. The Indian side, despite an initial jerk of 0-2 loss managed a fantastic comeback in the rest 2 match and settling the scores by 2-2. However, the fifth and the last match seemed not to be happening due to rain at the venue. By this the tournament settled at draw. Initially, the match was to be led by KL Rahul because of this groin injury, Vice-captain Pant was asked to lead the team. So, in this article, let’s have a look on to each player’s performance, which in other words each Indian cricketer’s report card.
Ishan Kishan – Despite having a rubbish IPL season and facing flak for it from all over, the cricketer somehow manages to back the Indian team this time. He was the highest scorer in the 5-match tournament with having 76 as his highest from the 1st match.
Ruturaj Gaikwad – The player with poor attitude issues towards fans, also did had poor game in the 5-match series against the proteas. His best was only seen during the 3rd match where he scored a half century from 35 deliveries. Recently, the cricketer faced a lot of flak from netizens for his poor behaviour towards a fan shooing him off who tried taking photos with the player.
Shreyas Iyer – Getting a chance batting at No.3, Shreyas Iyer yet again wasn’t able to score anything big except of these 36 runs in the first match. He was much expected in this series in absence of Suryakumar Yadav. In total 5 matches, the cricketer scored only 96 runs. Not as per desired.
Rishabh Pant – Despite helping team India making a comeback in the series against the proteas by 2-2, the skipper Pant was criticized a bit for his own form and scoring a mere 53 runs in 5 matches. Many Feels including the likes of the former cricketer Wasim Jaffer that Pant may not be part of the T20 world cup squad this year.
Hardik Pandya – The skipper of the Gujarat Titans team and the middle order allrounder of Team India, Hardik Pandya was equally felt responsible against proteas. Undoubtedly, his innings in the first and the third ODI proved to be crucial making 31* and 46 runs. His total in entire 5 match series was 117 runs.
Dinesh Karthik – The middle order batsman Dinesh Karthik commendable innings in the IPL as well as in the recently concluded 5-match series against the proteas re-affirmed his position to be one of the best choices for the world cup. His innings in the second T20I and the 4th T20I match of 30* and match winning 55 runs against proteas was something really appreciated. His performance proves that he’s ready to be part of the T20I world cup.
Axar Patel – The allrounder has 50-50 chances to be listed in the T20I world cup this as it seems inevitable for Ravindra Jadeja not to play the WC. But he doesn’t that Axar might have chances in the WC. His performance against the proteas was equally unimpressive and needs more to see his light shine before the major league. He took just 3 wickets in the overall series.
Yuzvendra Chahal – The cricketer although being less economic somehow managed to take 6 wickets in the series against the south Africans. His innings in the IPL as well as in the recently concluded series against SA makes him the strong attack option for his team.
Harshal Patel – Equally impressive like Yuzvendra Chahal, Patel managed to fetch 7 wickets in the series against the SA. His best was seen in the third match where he took 4 wickets giving just 25 runs.
Bhuveneshwar Kumar – The sharp swing and move if someone has with the ball, he is Bhuvi or Bhuveneshwar kumar. With his perfect line and length, the Bhuveneshwar not only impressed the selectors around but also has surprised many with his comeback. In the series against, Bhuvi took 6 wickets from 5 matches. He was also named the player of the series.
Avesh Khan – The newcomer has mixed reactions when it comes to be added in the T20I Cup series in Australia but if selected can be used as the trump card because his uncertainty is his strength. Against SA especially in the fourth match he grabbed 4 wickets.
Read more: India vs South Africa: T20 series ends 2-2 after washout
