Crucial tactics using Sanju Samson in last over; Gambhir's deft gameplan against SA

DHARMASHALA: Experts are now hailing the strategy adopted by the head coach of the Indian cricket team, Gautam Gambhir, in the final over of the T20I against South Africa. The Proteas batting line-up was well-settled in front of the Indian bowlers. The crucial change came when the Proteas tried to score more runs in the last over of the game, but to no avail.

Hardik Pandya was about to bowl the last over. It was this time that the coach Gambhir used Sanju Samson, who was on the bench, to deliver the message to the captain. Captain Suryakumar Yadav then decided to bowl Kuldeep Yadav instead of Hardik. This decision surprised everyone at first, but the results were immediate.

Kuldeep took two crucial wickets in the last over thanks to Gambhir's tactics. India, who came out to bat, won by seven wickets. South Africa, who opted to bat after losing the toss, were all out for 117 runs in 20 overs. Meanwhile, India reached the target in 15.5 overs for the loss of three wickets.