'Batting order management worse than Indigo': Surya, Gambhir's tactics slammed after 51-run loss in 2nd T20I

India’s batting order innovations did not go down well with the fans as the Men in Blue lost the second T20I against South Africa on Thursday at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. The five-match series is now level at 1-1 going into the third clash in Dharamsala.

India conceded 213-4 after choosing to bowl first which is now the first time the team has given away 200 runs since the 2024 T20 World Cup triumph. In reply, despite Tilak Varma’s half-century, the hosts were bowled out for only 162 in 19.1 overs to lose the match by 51 runs.

IND vs SA: Surprising batting order changes

India lost Shubman Gill for a Golden Duck in the very first over . Axar Patel was sent into bat at number three in a big surprise call.

Axar could not get going as India kept losing wickets from the other end with both Abhishek Sharma and captain Suryakumar Yadav also failing. The all-rounder started slow and ended up with a run-a-ball 21 before getting out in the eighth over.

Another bold call taken by the team management was that of sending Shivam Dube at No.8. Dube, known for his prowess against spin in the middle order, was demoted down the order and by the time he came to bat, the game was effectively over. The left-hander got out on the second ball he faced for only one run.

Varma did wage a lone battle for India with a 34-ball 62 but did not find enough support from the other batters.

Ottniel Baartman picked up four wickets for South Africa while Lungi Ngidi, Marco Jansen and Lutho Sipamla also got a couple of wickets each.

Earlier, Quinton de Kock slammed a brilliant 90 from just 46 balls to set the foundation of a high score for South Africa. Donovan Ferreira (30*) and David Miller (20*) then applied finishing touches to propel South Africa to 213/4 in 20 overs.