"That was the turning point of the match" - Kris Srikkanth's massive claim after India's loss in IND vs SA 2025 2nd ODI

Former Indian captain Kris Srikkanth called Yashasvi Jaiswal's drop off Aiden Markram the turning point of the India-South Africa second ODI in Raipur. Chasing a massive 359 to level the series, the visitors were well-placed at 97/1 in the 18th over.

However, with Markram on 53, Jaiswal put down a regulation catch at long-on and parried the ball over for a maximum. The Proteas opener hurt India by scoring a match-winning 110 off 98 deliveries, propelling the visitors to a four-wicket victory in the final over.

Talking about the moment on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth said (13:34):

"It was such an easy catch. Of course, I feel for him as it is part and parcel of cricket. But that was the turning point of the match. He not only dropped Markram's catch on 50-odd but the ball also went for six."

The dropped catch played a vital role in South Africa chasing down over 350 in an ODI for a third time. It was only the second instance of India failing to defend a total of over 350 in an ODI.

"Ruturaj took his opportunity with both hands but Yashasvi let it slip" - Kris Srikkanth

Kris Srikkanth urged Yashasvi Jaiswal to be wary of the short-pitched deliveries and left-arm seamers after the latter's second consecutive poor outing in the Raipur ODI. Opening the batting in skipper Shubman Gill's absence, the southpaw has failed to impress with the bat in each of the first two ODIs, scoring 18 and 22, respectively.

Meanwhile, Ruturaj Gaikwad capitalized on his rare ODI opportunity, scoring a brilliant 83-ball 102 in the second ODI.

"Yes, going by the numbers, he (Jaiswal )has to be careful against bouncers. And against left-arm pacers, he needs to be wary. But he was playing well and started off well. Yet, Ruturaj took his opportunity with both hands but Yashasvi let it slip. But he's again an all-format player. Maybe Vizag, it will be his day," said Srikkanth (via the aforementioned source).

He concluded:

"I wouldn't see he has a problem against the bouncer. It's just about how he adjusts himself. Everyone gets hit also and smashes sixes too against the bouncer. There are so many analysts and support staff. I am sure they'll tell him that he's being targeted there. He should be brave and go all-out against the bouncer. He's trying to keep it down but instead he should scoop it and lift it over."

Jaiswal has now played three ODIs in his career, but averages an underwhelming 18.33 at a strike rate of under 73.