Having thrived on flat or turning pitches at home, India’s batsmen were clearly finding it difficult to negotiate the bounce and seam movement in the first two one-day internationals against South Africa at Johannesburg and Durban.

Adaptability is the key to performing consistently in international cricket. Batsmen or bowlers who adjust their technique and methods quickly according to the conditions are the ones who will perform while collective effort will bring about team success.

The Indians knew the type of conditions that they would experience in South Africa. Many of them had the experience of performing with success in similar conditions. The top order was in great form in India to take their confidence high, but this could have also led to arrogance.

It appears that the batsmen failed to realise the basic cricketing truism — the longer you stay on pitches that are alien, the chances of adapting to the challenging conditions are better.