Amidst the twin retirements of Zaheer Khan and Virender Sehwag, there is a series to be won against the Proteas. The South Africans have been thoroughly professional in their approach. The win at Rajkot ticked all the required boxes. The game was a bit different than a usual, modern-day one-day international that we are accustomed to. It took me back to the 1990s.


Suresh Raina during a match against Bangladesh 'A' in Bangalore last month. Pic/PTI

Slow wicket
The scores reflected the slowness in the wicket which restricted the free flowing 21st century batsmen. Quinton de Kock just proved why the South Africans rate him so highly. The baby-faced left-hander carried the burden on his wide shoulders admirably.