1st ODI: Kotak lauds Harshit Rana's role in India's triumph
What's the story
India's batting coach, Sitanshu Kotak, has credited fast bowler Harshit Rana for his game-changing spell in the first ODI against South Africa. The match was played on Sunday at JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi. Rana struck twice in his first over, dismissing Ryan Ricketlon and Quinton de Kock without scoring. He later took the important wicket of Dewald Brevis (37 off 28) to finish with impressive figures of 3/65 in 10 overs.
Match analysis
Kotak praises Rana's impact on match outcome
After Rana's stellar performance, Kotak praised the young pacer for his early wickets. He said that without those strikes, India would have struggled to defend their total of 349 runs. "I think a lot of credit goes to Harshit as well for taking those early wickets," Kotak said in the post-match presentation. "Otherwise it would have been quite easy for them to score runs in such heavy dew," he added.
Bowling strategy
Kotak commends Rana's use of swinging conditions
Kotak also praised Rana for utilizing the swinging conditions well with the new ball. "He was moving the ball well, he was hitting the right areas in the early innings because a Kookaburra ball probably swings for two, four, maybe five overs," he said. The coach's comments came after India won by 17 runs, bundling out South Africa for 332 runs and taking a 1-0 lead in the series.
Team performance
Arshdeep Singh also shines with new ball
Along with Rana, Arshdeep Singh also had a good start with the new ball for India, dismissing Aiden Markram (7 off 15). However, Matthew Breetzke (72 off 80), Marco Jansen (70 off 39), Tony de Zorzi (39 off 35), and Corbin Bosch's (67 off 51) crucial innings brought South Africa back in the game. But Kuldeep Yadav's timely strikes in middle overs ensured India didn't lose control of the match.