SA vs IND: Shikhar Dhawan reveals why Venkatesh Iyer didn't bowl in first ODI

South Africa emerged victorious in the first of the three-match ODI series against India. Venkatesh Iyer, the debutant, did not get a chance in the bowling innings; despite the regular bowlers not picking wickets in the middle overs. “We didn’t need him because the spinners did well, and there was some turn in the wicket," said Shikhar Dhawan after the match

India was unable to get wickets in the middle overs of the first innings, which allowed South Africa to build partnerships. They set a target of 297 for India to chase down, with captain Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen, each scoring centuries. India was 31 runs shy in the chase.

In the press conference, Shikhar Dhawan said, "Fast bowlers were mostly used at the end. In the middle-overs when the wicket was not falling, our thinking was to bring back the main bowlers to get the breakthrough but we couldn’t do that. Then, in the end, it was important to bring our main bowlers, like our spinners."

Dhawan's advice to the batters

The 36-year-old advised the players to bat according to the needs of the situation, and the batter should always put the team first. Another reason for India's fall in the match was middle-order being unable to perform with the bat. India went from 138-1 to 188-6 in a span of 10 overs. They eventually were unable to chase down the target.

“That you need to play according to the demands of the situation, should always put the team first, that your individual game is important but at the same time practicality and knowing how much you can mold your game for the team is also important. Like if the team needs a partnership, then you should build one and those kinds of things. And I feel that it will all get refined with time and experience," Dhawan added.