Experience in IPL games key factor behind Indian bowlers’ success, says Ottis Gibson

Before the start of the South Africa series, it was billed to be an enthralling contest between the Indian batsmen and the Proteas pace attack. But a surprise element that made all the difference in the recently concluded tour was the exemplary display by the Indian bowling department.

And speaking on the same lines, South Africa coach Ottis Gibson conceded that India‘s experience in the bowling department played a clinical role in Virat Kohli’s men clinching the T20I series 2-1 with a thrilling seven-run victory in the series decider last night at Cape Town.

After India restricted South Africa to 165 for six in their chase of 173, Gibbs said India have got Bumrah and Kumar to thank for the win. The Proteas gaffer feels that the chief reason for their success is the rich number of domestic tournaments that India offers to its players. Gibbs further opined that IPL has played a defining role in molding these Indian pacers.

Talking about the Proteas bowling unit Gibson said, “While Junior held his own, Morris has a lot of work to do. He is a match-winner for us but he needs more consistency in his bowling.

He added, “He is short of that. He just needs to figure out what type of bowler he is and what he wants to become. This is the conversation I had with him. He will go back to playing some domestic cricket before playing the IPL.”

Ottis Gibson impressed with the younger crop of South African cricketers

The Proteas were hampered by the absence of batting stalwarts AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis due to injuries forcing the management to bring in fresh faces. However, Gibson was impressed with the likes of Dala, Heinrich Klaasen, and Christiaan Jonker but cited they need more games under their belt to compete at this level.

While Klaasen starred in South Africa’s victory in the2nd T20with a quickfire 69, Jonker impressed last night with his cameo that kept the hosts in the hunt until late. Gibson opined the youngsters have faced an uphill task to adapt to the standards of international cricket but have done a commendable job on such short notice,