Rohit Sharma’s performance in the first Test against South Africa has been challenging, both as a batsman and captain. In the second innings, he faced a mere 8 balls and fell victim to Kagiso Rabada, getting clean bowled without adding to the score.
This dismissal puts him on par with Virender Sehwag for the most ducks for India in international cricket within the top 7 batting positions.
In the first innings, Rohit could only manage 5 runs, contributing to India’s total of 245, with KL Rahul scoring a century. The Proteas’ bowler, Rabada, played a significant role by taking 5 wickets.
In the match, South African captain Temba Bavuma won the toss, after a bit delay to the start on Day 1 due to rain, asked the Indian batters to begin proceedings. Despite batting first on a pace-friendly pitch, Team India posted 245 runs, with KL Rahul shining with a splendid 101 off 137 balls. Kohli contributed 38, and Shreyas Iyer and Shardul Thakur added 31 and 24 runs, respectively.
Facing an Indian bowling lineup without key bowler Mohammed Shami, South Africa, led by stand-in captain Dean Elgar, showcased resilience. Elgar, stepping up after Bavuma’s injury, played a heroic innings, scoring a massive 185 runs in his farewell Test series. Debutant David Bedingham contributed 56, and lower down the order, Marco Jansen’s 84 helped South Africa post 408 runs.
In the second innings, Team India faltered, getting dismissed for 131 runs in 34 overs. South Africa clinched victory by an innings and 32 runs. Virat Kohli was the top scorer for India with 76 runs. With this win, South Africa leads the series 1-0, with one match remaining in Cape Town starting in the New Year.
