Nagpur: After demolished by an innings and 6 runs in the first Test of three Test Match series against South Africa, Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni admitted that Dale Steyn’s fiery bowling made our team surrender against SA.
But a question that’s bothering everone. What went wrong?
"We were blown away by Steyn," admitted Dhoni after the loss.
The South African speedster took 10 wickets in the match to destroy the famed Indian batting line-up.
Initially, Dhoni defended his bowlers for not taking wickets saying the track was too flat and wasn’t helping fast bowlers. But on the same track, SA bowlers troubled Indian batting.
Dhoni admitted that "This was the best display of conventional swing bowling in India in the last few years. And full credit to Steyn for that.
"Steyn forced the batsmen to play the shots and confused them thereafter by moving the ball well both ways," said Dhoni.
"We were outplayed in all departments," conceded Dhoni, before adding, "I think the first few overs he (Steyn) bowled after tea on the third day made the difference.
The Indian captain also explained why his bowlers had failed on a wicket where the South Africans succeeded.
"We couldn't get the reverse swing going and then our fast bowlers were left with the dilemma: if to try and get the batsmen out or to contain them," reasoned Dhoni, refusing to accept that India missed the services of a fifth bowler.
Dhoni also felt the need of a genuine allrounder like Kallis in the team.
Dhoni added the absence of key players also hurt his side's prospects considerably.
"We definitely missed Dravid and Laxman," said the Indian captain, adding, "We went into the match with the best available side but it obviously didn't work for us."
Not to worry Dhoni. Forget the defeat and play hard in the next one. Our team is the best team in the world and we’ve got the coolest captain as well.



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