Rahul blames dew for loss in 2nd ODI, Gaikwad relishes new role after maiden century

India captain KL Rahul said the four-wicket defeat to South Africa in the second ODI is not too difficult to swallow due to heavy dew making bowling difficult in the second innings.

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At the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium on Wednesday, India posted 358/5, thanks to centuries from Ruturaj Gaikwad and Virat Kohli, apart from Rahul hitting an unbeaten 66.

But South Africa chased it down with four balls to spare, thanks to Aiden Markram’s IIO, followed by Matthew Breetzke’s fluent 68 and Dewald Brevis’ enterprising 54.

“Not really. 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 (with laughter),” said Rahul at the conclusion of the game.

At the same time, Rahul thought the bowlers and fielders could have been much better.

“There are always things we could have done better. With the bat, I know that 350 looks good, but that has been the chat in the dressing room even after the last game about how we can get the extra 20-25 runs to give bowlers a cushion with the wet ball,” he said.