Proteas target series parity as Bavuma returns for must-win ODI against India

With the series tilting towards the hosts, the Proteas will look to balance the books by pushing for a series-levelling victory against India in the second ODI at the Shaheed Singh International Stadium in New Raipur on Wednesday (10am SA time).

South Africa were unable to secure the ideal start in the opening ODI this past weekend, falling 17 runs short in a match that tightened considerably in the closing stages. 

Despite slipping to 130/5 in pursuit of a demanding 350, the Proteas mounted a spirited fightback, led by Corbin Bosch’s impressive 67, but ultimately fell away — missing on the opportunity to build on their recent 2-0 Test series success.

India entered the three-match ODI series boosted by the return of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, both of whom missed the Tests, as they now focus solely on the 50-over format.

The Proteas, meanwhile, were without captain Temba Bavuma due to illness in the first ODI. Set to return for the second match on Wednesday, the Proteas skipper believes his side had every chance to win the opener, though he admitted India were more clinical when it mattered.

“From a batting performance, we were 15 runs short of the target,” Bavuma said, on Tuesday, as he reflected on the team’s position heading into the second ODI.

“The gap from the batting performance was not a big one. India played well but were not too far off. Maybe things would have looked differently if our top order had managed to contribute.”

Bavuma added that the Proteas have make tactical adjustments heading into this series, particularly due to the experienced duo of Kohli and Sharma returning to bolster India. He stressed, however, that South Africa’s approach would remain consistent, regardless of the opposition.

In the first encounter, Kohli produced a superb 137 off 120 balls — his 52nd ODI century — while Sharma added 57 as the pair combined for a vital 136-run partnership.

“In terms of preparation, we prepared differently in the Test series with both Virat and Rohit not in that team.

“Now, with the ODI series, they are part of our analysis sessions but from a mindset point of view, nothing changes. We go out to win the game and that is not influenced by who is in the opposition's starting line-up. We do not respect them any differently.

“Even if you play against New Zealand and Kane Williamson is there or not, you still go through the same processes, nothing changes. The mindset still remains the same, but the inclusion of those two guys does bolster their team."

Bavuma also noted that while the Test side has excelled across varying conditions — including lifting the ICC World Test Championship title — the ODI team is still undergoing a growth phase, with the focus slowly shifting to the next ICC Cricket World Cup, to be hosted in South Africa.

“As a one-day side we are in a different space, in comparison to the Test side, because we are still building up to where we want to be," Bavuma explained.

“Any game that we play now is a lead up and an opportunity towards that, it’s about filling in the gaps. Guys like (Dewald) Brevis will come in, Matthew Breetzke has fitted in like a glove within our batting unit.

“Quinton de Kock has come in to see what role he can fulfil. It’s about giving those guys opportunities, especially from a resource point of view.

"We are trying to make sure that if we have a situation where one of our main bowlers is out, we have young guys who will step in. It’s about creating depth and seeing where guys can fit into those roles,” Bavuma concluded.