Harbhajan Singh speaks about how MS Dhoni inspired India in 2nd ODI win

Harbhajan scored 22 runs and picked 2 wickets

Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni played a match-winning unbeaten knock of 92 as India defeated South Africa by 22 runs in the second one-day international match at the Holkar Cricket Stadium in Indore. As it turns out though, it took just a few simple words of encouragement from Captain Cool to ensure that the bowlers defended the relatively small target.

At one stage, India were 124 for 6 and everything was looking gloomy for them. But Dhoni led the team from the front and brought India back into the competition to post a competitive 248 run target.

Dhoni’s knock definitely proved a big motivation to the rest and it reflected in the field when a charged-up Indian team did everything possible to restrict the Proteas to 225. Brilliant performances by the Indian bowlers made the total look difficult for the Proteas batsmen.

Axar Patel and Bhuvaneshwar Kumar picked 3 wickets each, and Mohit Sharma and Umesh Yadav shared 1 each. The comeback man Harbhajan Singh picked up 2 important wickets of Quinton de Kock and Farhaan Behardien.

Harbhajan also played a crucial innings of 22 runs when it was most needed for Team India. Speaking with a presenter at the post-match interview, Harbhajan revealed what Dhoni had discussed earlier in the huddle before India went to field in the second innings. He also praised his fellow teammate spinner Axar for his clever bowling skills.

"Very happy with the way things have gone for me and the team. Dhoni was fantastic with his captaincy. The wicket was nice to bat on, so I was looking to bowl slower through the air. Overall, pretty happy with the way things went. Axar Patel bowled well and got crucial wickets. That got us back into the game,” Harbhajan said.

Bhajji emphasised on the message which Dhoni gave to the team, saying: “We were 30 runs short. What Dhoni told in the huddle is, we didn't get too many runs, but if we field well, we can put pressure on them. And the boys were outstanding."

With this grand comeback win, India levelled the five-match series by 1-1 now. The next match will be played in Rajkot on October 18.