Virot Kohl I got to a brisk fifty against South Africa in the third and final ODI at Centurion on Sunday and then proceeded to whip out the 'cradle' celebration. Kohl I dedicated his fifty to his daughter, Tamika, who was in the arms of his mother, Anushka Sharma, at the New lands.
The day, however, ended in disappointment for Kohl I and his teammates after India lost the match by just 4 runs, allowing South Africa to complete a 3-0 whitewash. India's formidable batting line-up was a letdown once again and despite half centuries by Vi rat kohl I (65 off 83 balls), Shikhar Dawn (61 off 73 balls) and Deepak char (54 off 34 balls), India were on the losing side for a third straight time, this time in pursuit of 288, ending a disastrous tour of the 'Rainbow Nation'.
Asked to take first strike, South Africa were all out for 287 after Quinton de Kock's attacking 'a hundred' and Reissue Van Dr Dustin's fluent half-century. In reply, India were all out for 283 in 49.2 overs, completely mishandling a chase that should have been completed smoothly.
All in all, the limited overs series turned out to be one of the most disappointing outings for India in recent years, especially after having blanked the Protease in their backyard in 2018.
It was especially for KL Rahul, who lost all four matches he captained during the tour (one Test and three ODI).
India were last clean swept in an away ODI series by New Zealand (0-3) in 2020 under Kohl I.
Incidentally, Rohit Sharma was absent from that series too, with a hamstring injury.
On Sunday, Kohl I made a 65 off 84 balls, while opener Shikhar Dawn struck a 73 - ball 61, both scoring their second fifties of the three - match series.
KL is also tipped as the next man in line to take up the Test captaincy after Vi rat kohl I stepped down from the role, following a 2-1 series defeat against South Africa. KL was also India's captain in the second Test in Johannesburg, ang looked clueless.
Speaking on KL Rahul's ODI captaincy in the first two ODI, Gavaskar said KL Rahul is out of ideas, whenever there is a partnership.
The ball was coming onto the quite nicely, you can play through the line, Gavaskar said on India Today
"During that partnership, it did look as if he had run out of ideas. When you have to keep them for the last 5-6 overs.
Gavaskar also questioned KL Rahul's ascendancy to captaincy as the 29 - year - old is yet to lead his state team, Karnataka.
He has only captioned Punjab Kings in the last two I PL. Apart from that, in any format tournament - Randi trophy or list A. Even if you look at his captaincy in I PL, Punjab Kings haven't done anything of note in the last two years, said Gavaskar.
In the ongoing debate on who should be India's next Test captain, former captain Mohammed Azharuddin has said that he would prefer Rohit Sharma to be the red ball captain.
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