Sunil Gavaskar slams bowlers for Team India's debacle in South Africa

Following India's two comprehensive losses -- by 141 runs and 134 runs in the first and second ODI respectively -- in South Africa, former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar has pointed fingers at the poor showing by the Indian bowlers on fast-paced wickets and blamed them for the massive margin of defeats. "It was expected that it would not be easy for batsmen but margin of defeats is because our bowlers have failed on fast, bouncy wickets," Gavaskar said in an exclusive interview with NDTV from Johannesburg on Monday. (2nd ODI Highlights)

"South Africa have an unsettled batting line-up. When they score 300 in a match it shows our bowlers have been disappointing," Gavaskar added, suggesting that Quinton de Kock, who slammed back-to-back centuries against India, was a makeshift opener and Hashim Amla was allowed to get back to form. Gavaskar said only Mohammed Shami was impressive while the likes of Umesh Yadav and Ishant failed to capitalize on the bounce and pace of South African pitches. (Match Report)

Gavaskar also cited the example of neighbours Pakistan, who recently registered a 2-1 ODI series win in South Africa and said, "Pakistani bowlers did the job for their team. That is why they won versus South Africa." (Amla fastest to 4000 ODI runs)

Commenting on the Indian batting, that failed to chase down 280 in what seemed like better conditions for batsmen in Durban, Gavaskar said," Lack of patience have undone our batsmen. They must respect Dale Steyn. No point in counter-attacking. We must learn to chase tall scores." (Dhoni blames poor shot selection)

India will now play for pride in the final ODI at the Centurion on Wednesday before heading back to Johannesburg for the first of the two Tests starting on December 18. (Dhoni admits middle order has been exposed in South Africa)