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India v SA. (Photo Source: PHILL MAGAKOE/AFP via Getty Images)

India lost the second ODI against South Africa on December 19 as the Proteas put in a dominant performance and registered a brilliant eight-wicket victory to level the series.

The Indian batting attack was lacking quite a bit in the first innings as the visitors were bundled out for just 211. Sai Sudharsan and KL Rahul did score 62 and 56 runs, respectively. However, the rest of the batting attack could not amount to much. With the third ODI around the corner, many opined that the Men in Blue would make some changes in their tactics to bounce back.

However, batting coach Sitanshu Kotak has said that there will be no change in approach from the Indian team in the series decider against South Africa on December 21. He stated that the call regarding the team will be made after seeing the pitch.

“Our approach won’t change at all. Not many changes, I wouldn’t think, but again, once we go and see the wicket, then we will decide,” Kotak said at the post-match press conference. “On any wicket, anywhere, the intent we play with won’t change much. The batters will have to apply according to the wicket, and the bowlers will have to adjust.”

We could have gotten to 250-260: Kotak

Kotak also stated that losing the toss in the second ODI proved to be crucial for the hosts and that a score ranging from 250 to 260 could have been a fighting score for the Indian team.

“Obviously, the toss was crucial, but I think from 165 for 4 in 35 overs to 212, we could have gotten to 250-260; it would have been a fighting score. Another thing I felt was that in the first 10 overs, they (South Africa) have been beaten quite a few times. If we could have had a few breakthroughs in the 10 overs it would have been interesting,” Kotak said.