SK Flashback: When India defied the odds to humble South Africa at Johannesburg

#2 The substitute fielders

Piyush Chawla made an impact even though he wasn’t part of the starting XI

They say eleven players form a team, but this time two men from outside the line-up turned pivotal in India’s vigil to defend a below-par total. David Miller threatened to take the match by the scruff of the neck and with South Africa requiring 30 odd runs in 17 overs, South Africa was all over India.

But a handsome catch by substitute fielder Piyush Chawla off the bowling of Zaheer Khan pinned down the big fish. There was yet another piece of sheer brilliance by a substitute fielder, now at the threshold of victory when Yusuf Pathan pouched a mistimed timed cut shot by Morne Morkel to leave South Africa nine down and three runs to get.

The game displayed the importance of bench strength and its inseparability from the game. It also demonstrated the significance of having safe fielders who can serve well when required.