Legendry all-rounder Jacques Kallis has called India "real contenders" for the World Cup title after they outclassed South Africa but urged his struggling country to not throw in the towel yet.
In overcast conditions, a Jasprit Bumrah-inspired India broke the back of South Africa's top order before Yuzvendra Chahal ran through the innings with four wickets at the Rose Bowl on Wednesday.
Without much difficulty, Rohit Sharma powered India to victory with six wickets in hand. This was the Proteas' third straight loss in the showpiece.
"Away from South Africa I thought India looked world-class and real contenders. They've obviously been waiting for their first game and I didn't know how that would work for them, whether they'd be fresh or they'd be some nerves. I think we got the answer, they were very impressive," Kallis said in his column for the ICC.
Before the disappointing result against India, South Africa crashed to a stunning defeat at the hands of Bangladesh, days after a loss to hosts England in the tournament opener.
Kallis, one of the game's greatest all-rounders, admitted that the South Africans have put themselves in a precarious situation.
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"South Africa have made this spectacularly hard on themselves - they've six league matches left and every one of them is effectively a knockout game now.
"They can have absolutely no complaints with the result against India, they were totally outclassed in every department, with the bat, ball and in the field. They really didn't win much after the toss I'm afraid.
"That dressing room will be a tough place to be, but they have to all take responsibility and work hard to correct the errors they are making."