From the high altitude of Dharamsala to the low-lying areas of Cuttack in the far east of India is a fair distance to travel. The South Africans seem to have adapted to the demands at the Barabati Stadium more aptly than the Indians. It all happened quickly. India lost the series — well let me put it in a better way — the Proteas won the series convincingly.


Shikhar Dhawan reverse sweeps a South African spinner during the second T20I at Barabati Stadium. Pic/PTI

They look ready for a battle, they look hungry for a fight, they look prepared. Their body language was assertive on the field. Their bowling was accurate, fielding has been their forte for years — they proved it once again by getting two vital run-outs which changed the course of the game. They may be methodical in their preparation, but are clinical when it comes to execution.