India’s Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer formed a partnership of more than 50 runs, helping the team recover after losing some early wickets in the third ODI against South Africa at Centurion. Although the South African pacers initially found success, they struggled with their length as the conditions changed. The top order of India faced challenges under the pressure of pace, with Nandre Burger dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill. Shreyas Iyer and Virat Kohli faced difficulties against the extreme pace, attempting to stabilize the Indian innings.
A significant setback for India occurred when pacer Kagiso Rabada dismissed Indian skipper Rohit Sharma early in the match. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill were at the crease, working on forming a partnership. Kagiso Rabada achieved a milestone, claiming his 500th international wicket with a fifer against India, dismissing Shardul Thakur in the 47th over.
Despite losing eight wickets, KL Rahul maintained composure and led India to reach 200 runs in 57.4 overs (347 balls). However, rain played spoilsport, and India could only manage a score of 208/8 in 59 overs. Analyzing the highlights, India scored 91/3 in 26 overs in the first session, 176/7 in 50 overs in the second session, and reached 208/8 in 59 overs by the end of the third session and due to rain at the end of the day.
KL Rahul impressed with a half-century, scoring 70 runs, while Virat Kohli contributed 38 runs, and Shreyas Iyer made a vital contribution of 31 runs. For the Proteas, Kagiso Rabada stood out with a fifer (5/44) against India, marking his first fifer against India across formats. Nandre Burger took two wickets, and Marco Jansen claimed one.
Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal opened the batting for India at the SuperSport Park Cricket Stadium in Centurion. India opted for a 4-pacer, 1-spinner combination, with Ravichandran Ashwin set to bat at the number 8 position. After a significant break following the ODI World Cup final, Rohit Sharma led the Indian team in the first Test match against South Africa at the SuperSport Park Cricket Stadium in Centurion.
Rohit-led India faced a formidable challenge against a full-strength Proteas team led by regular skipper Temba Bavuma. Despite the return of veterans like Rohit Sharma, former captain Virat Kohli, and pacer Jasprit Bumrah, the Indian side anticipated a competitive series. The absence of key players, including pacer Mohammed Shami due to an ankle injury, wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan’s release from the series, and Ruturaj Gaikwad’s finger injury, posed challenges for the Indian team.
The series in South Africa would be a test for many Indian players, including the less-experienced Yashasvi Jaiswal, who hasn’t been a regular part of the Test side, and players like Shubman Gill and Shreyas Iyer, who needed to prove their mettle in seaming and swinging conditions outside India. The Indian team, with a blend of experience and youth, aimed to overcome the challenges posed by a formidable South African side and showcase their capabilities in the Test series.
