New Delhi: Even after putting up a formidable total of 199 in the first T-20 against South Africa at Dharamsala, MS Dhoni-led Team India failed to defend it and lost the match by seven wickets with two balls to spare.
Barring R Ashwin, no other Indian bowler managed to leave an impact as the visiting side comfortably achieved the target to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match T-20 series of the high-profile Freedom Series, named after Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela.
The spark in the Indian bowling was missing as South African batsmen hit boundaries at will throughout the match to seal the opener.
India's strategy of playing with five bowlers didn't work as Mohit Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Axar Patel and debutant Sreenath Aravind looked ordinary in front of the visiting batsmen.
India, probably, need aggressive and more attacking bowlers in their ranks to give the Proteas some fight in the remaining two T20 matches.
The three options available for Dhoni are Harbhajan Singh, Amit Mishra and Stuart Binny.
The spin duo of Harbhajan Singh and Amit Mishra are aggressive and can give the team the much needed variety it needs to restrict South Africa's strong batting line-up.
After losing the first T-20, one can expect Dhoni to go for Bhajji or Mishra. Both the seasoned spinners have vast experience as far as the format is concerned.
Second T20 is scheduled to take place on Monday in Cuttack.
