Their turnaround in one-day form has been stunning and credit must go where it is due. It would appear that under the new team management and fresh young talent, a cohesive, powerful unit is in the making.
Sachin has kept his batting simple. Good balance, trying to hit everything as straight as possible and showing the blade of the bat while executing shots have been the cornerstones of his success.
India perceives South Africa to be vulnerable in this area and would now be further emboldened. Ironically, it was not the spinners who precipitated the crisis. It was Irfan Pathan.