India v South Africa, ICC Champions Trophy 2017: Virat Kohli’s decision to field first is wrong, here’s why

India v South Africa, ICC Champions Trophy 2017: India has lost its last seven games against South Africa when they have chased

By: Ankit Banerjee |
June 11, 2017 3:55 pm

Yes, it is true, if we look into records. India take on South Africa today in what is a virtual quarter final for both the teams. India have won one and lost one but today they do not stand a stand to win, they batted first in both the encounters. But the feeling is that Virat Kohli has made the wrong call and we have ample proof to prove that. Virat Kohli has had an off-day the last time India played against Sri Lanka but all said and done Virat Kohli backs himself in a high-pressure match. In the press conference Virat made it clear that they crave for such opportunities and such matches. The commentators believe that, Ravi Shastri said, “South Africa losing the toss is a blessing in disguise. The ball is not coming onto the bat properly and 280 could be a winning total.”

But then why are we jumping the trigger and calling Virat Kohli’s decision wrong.

#SpiritofCricket #CT17 pic.twitter.com/RyS3isVW4E

— ICC (@ICC) June 11, 2017

Well, here it goes. India has lost its last seven games against South Africa when they have chased. Losing twice or thrice is allright, but when you lose seven consecutive times, then there is something this particular opposition knows about you which others do jot.

India’s last 7 ODIs while chasing against South Africa:

Lost
Lost
Lost
Lost
Lost
Lost
Lost

India are chasing today. #INDvSA #CT17

— Umang Pabari (@UPStatsman) June 11, 2017

Also if you delve deeper you will see in ICC knockout games like this one India have lost four and won five out of 11 matches, 2 of those matches did not have a result.

India’s record in ICC ODI knockout matches while chasing:

Matches – 11,
Won – 5,
Lost – 4,
N/R – 2 #INDvSA #CT17

— Umang Pabari (@UPStatsman) June 11, 2017

As we speak, South Africa have got off to a sedate start. they are 37 after the first ten overs. Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock are playing risk-free cricket and are really laying a strong foundation for the likes of Faf du Plessis and AB de Villiers.

10 overs in, and South Africa are 35/0.

Who will be the happier of the two sides?

LIVE: https://t.co/oXl2mH0zvg #INDvSA #CT17 pic.twitter.com/Jz0T6NKu2H

— ICC (@ICC) June 11, 2017

The fielsing has been wanting in this match already, it has been scratchy.