New Delhi, Dec. 4 -- Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan attributed India's defeat to South Africa in the second ODI to the Proteas' bowling strategy, which effectively restricted India from overs 39 to 49, limiting them to 358.

Pathan believes this was the turning point in the match, as South Africa's bowlers pulled India back, ultimately making a significant difference in the outcome.

Virat Kohli and Ruturaj Gaikwad's centuries set a strong foundation for India, with Kohli scoring 102 off 93 balls and Gaikwad hitting his maiden ODI century, 105 off 83 balls.

Indian skipper KL Rahul then took the reins, scoring an unbeaten 66 off 43 balls, helping India reach 358/5 in 50 overs. However, India struggled to accelerate in the final ni...