In his first-ever speech during the first ODI match on Sunday, Indian youngster Sai Sudharsan said that the visitors responded well to the game. In an interview featured in a video released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Sudharsan described the Johannesburg wicket as difficult and challenging. He went on to say how wonderful his collaboration with Shreyas Iyer was. He went on to say that his debut against the “Men in Blue” was aided by his performance with India A.
“We seem to have handled the situation well. Although it was difficult to bat and the wicket was a little tricky, our partnership was excellent. What was taking place on the pitch went extremely well. I simply made an effort to learn as much as I could about the circumstances that will exist in South Africa. I performed India. I believe that playing a game before coming here helped me get used to the surroundings,” Sudharsan remarked. The 22-year-old said he had a positive reaction to the ball. “I had handled the ball quite nicely. I thought it would be nice to have a boundary to begin the first ball,” he continued.
Coming to the match, Proteas opted to bat first. However, Indian pacers Avesh Khan and Arshdeep showed Proteas how deadly that choice was. SA was bowled out for 116 in 27.3 overs, with only De Zorzi (28 in 22 balls, with two fours and two sixes) and Phehlukwayo (33 in 49 balls, with three fours and two sixes) able to muster a respectable total. Both Avesh (4/27) and Arshdeep (5/37) were India’s best bowlers. Kuldeep Yadav, an Indian spinner, claimed one wicket.
India lost Ruturaj Gaikwad (5) early in the run chase of 117, but with over 33 overs remaining, debutant Sai Sudarshan (55 in 43 balls, with nine fours) and Shreyas Iyer (52 in 45 balls, with six fours and a six) sealed the match for India. Andile Phehlukwayo and Wiaan Mulder each claimed a wicket. ‘Player of the Match’ went to Arshdeep. India will play South Africa in the second ODI of the series on Tuesday in Gqeberha, having won the first one.
