South Africa won the first T20I after chasing down the 212-run target after being put into bat, India posted a total of 211 for four in 20 overs at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Thursday.
While analyzing the game, former India pacer Ashish Nehra quizzed India captain Rishabh Pant’s decision to utilize Yuzvendra Chahal for just 2.1 overs.
"First of all, the other team chased down the 212-run target and Yuzvendra Chahal only bowled two overs. It's not like he gave away 22 runs in one over. You're constantly seeing that the runs are flowing. So, it was quite surprising to see a bowler like Chahal bowl just two overs," Nehra said on Cricbuzz.
"Even if you're considering the right-left combination, you should've given the ball to Chahal, especially considering the fact that you gave two over to Axar at that time," he added.
"There was a point when you were thinking that although we've not taken wickets, we've managed to contain the flow of runs. However, once Miller started hitting boundaries, and the equation came down to 11 or 12 RPO, you should've brought Chahal in. That's where I thought Rishabh Pant made a small mistake," he stated.
van der Dussen and Miller remained unbeaten on 75 (46) and 64 (31), respectively, as South Africa chased down the total with seven wickets and five balls to spare.
The second T20I will now be played at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack on Sunday, June 12.