'It was almost as if they decided they can't win' - Sunil Gavaskar on India's tactics on day four of Cape Town Test

Despite winning the first Test in Centurion, India went on to lose the three-match Test series by 2-1. South Africa chased 212 in the fourth innings of the third Test rather comfortably. However, on day four, the visitors managed to pick just one wicket.

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Thus, former Indian cricketer, Sunil Gavaskar questioned India's tactics on the fourth day of the Cape Town Test. The legend felt that the Kohli-led side had already accepted defeat even before the match ended. While speaking to Star Sports network, he felt that Shardul Thakur and Jasprit Bumrah should have bowled after lunch on Friday.

"It was a mystery to me why Shardul Thakur and Jasprit Bumrah did not bowl after lunch. It was almost as if India had decided that they are not going to win this. The field placements there were for Ashwin was not right... There were singles available easily," said Sunil Gavaskar.

The application shown by South Africa batters have been praiseworthy: Sunil Gavaskar

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"Five fielders were in the deep. Let the batters take a chance. That is your only opportunity to get them out," he added. Gavaskar also appreciated the Elgar-led side for their performance with the bat.

"The pitches weren't the best for batting but the application shown by the South Africans in Johannesburg, the application shown by them in this Test as well has been praiseworthy. That showed the character of the team," he said. It is to be noted that this was the second time in the series where the hosts had to chase a score over 200 in the fourth innings to win a match.

As for the series decider, Keegan Petersen was absolutely sensational as he went on to score an amazing 82, and ensured that his side won the series. The number three batter of the Proteas also went on to win the player of the match award, as well as the player of the series award.