Can India Fix Their Death Bowling? Key Challenges Ahead of the 2nd ODI in Raipur | India vs South Africa 2nd ODI 2025
India may have won the opening ODI in Ranchi, but the victory felt far from reassuring. What looked like a comfortable match suddenly turned into a nerve-racking finish as South Africa’s lower order launched an unexpected fightback. The crowd was stunned, the dressing room tense, and India’s death bowling once again stood exposed.
Death bowling- Almost Disaster in First ODI
For most of the first ODI, India seemed to be in complete control. A strong batting performance by Kohli, Rohit, and Rahul helped the hosts reach 349. The new ball pair of Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh dismantled South Africa’s top order. At 11 for 3, the visitors looked out of the game. However, by the time Corbin Bosch was batting with the tail, India needed just one wicket to avoid embarrassment.
Jansen’s explosive fifty and Bosch’s aggressive counterattack revealed India’s difficulties in executing yorkers and slower balls under pressure. Prasidh Krishna gave up important runs, and even Kuldeep, despite taking four wickets, became a target. The situation later came down to 18 runs off 6 balls, which showed how vulnerable India appeared as the ball aged. It was a win that felt more like a warning.
What Can India Do in the 2nd ODI?
Heading into Raipur, India need urgent clarity in their bowling plans at the death. One option is to trust Arshdeep Singh with more overs in the final phase of the innings since he naturally swings and nails yorkers better than most in the current squad. Rana could also be tested with two overs at the back end to see if he can replicate his new ball control under pressure.
Prasidh’s role is the biggest question. India might consider giving him specific overs between 35 and 45 rather than at the very end. Another option is to bring more fielding intensity inside the circle to cut off easy twos.
With a batting-friendly ground in Raipur and dew likely to play a role again, India cannot afford another late meltdown. A victory will seal the series but more importantly, a strong death bowling show will bring confidence ahead of a busy cricket calendar.
