The South Africans were absolutely on point to make a comeback into the five-match series after they won the second T20I against India in New Chandigarh on Thursday, December 11. Entering the game on the back of a loss in the series opener, the Proteas look determined and registered a solid 51-run win to level the series 1-1, which former cricketer Robin Uthappa feels was due to the way they showed fearlessness.

Uthappa highlighted the tempo with which Aiden Markram & Co entered the match, and attacked the Indians where it hurt them the most, by taking the charge against Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh. Later, in the match, the visitors were outstanding with their bowling as well, executing their plans to perfection, as reckoned by Uthappa. 

"South Africa batted and bowled exceptionally well to bounce back after the first game. With the new ball they were outstanding on that surface, Lungi Ngidi’s delivery to Shubman Gill was an absolute peach, and the ball to Abhishek Sharma cramped him for room on a testing back‑of‑a‑length. They consistently hit the right areas and kept India under pressure. With the bat, they made a clear statement by attacking India’s best bowlers, including Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, right from the start," Uthappa said via JioStar's Follow The Blues.

The former wicketkeeper-batter further said that the way the opening batter Quinton de Kock batted for his sensational half-century, allowed the middle order batters to bat with freedom and end the game with a high total on board. All in all, Uthappa rated the performance by the South African side as a complete package, and how the hosts seemed to be clueless.

"Quinton de Kock was phenomenal, built strong partnerships with Aiden Markram, ran superbly with Dewald Brevis, and kept the tempo high by hitting in his preferred zones. Donovan Ferreira and David Miller then finished things off in style. It was a complete performance from South Africa, and on a rare off day for Bumrah and Arshdeep, they out-batted, out-bowled, and out-fielded India."

The Proteas will be confident to take a lead in the series with the upcoming third T20I. Meanwhile, the Indians will also have an opportunity to stage a comeback in the contest. The next game is scheduled to take place at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamshala on Sunday, December 14. The match will be crucial in determining the fate of the series.