In the first Test match between South Africa and India at Centurion, the spotlight shone brightly on Dean Elgar’s marathon innings that propelled South Africa to an impressive total of 408 runs in the first innings. Elgar’s masterful display of skill and determination saw him amass 185 runs off 287 balls on a challenging pitch tailored for seam movement. His final game in his home ground in Centurion became a memorable chapter in the cricketing history of South Africa.
Elgar’s innings, studded with 28 fours, not only showcased his class but also put South Africa in the driver’s seat, setting the stage for a commanding lead over the formidable Indian squad. The tale of the match unfolded with India scoring a modest 131 runs in the second innings, with Virat Kohli’s gritty 76 runs being the saving grace. However, despite Kohli’s efforts, India faced a resounding defeat by an innings and 32 runs.
Contrary to expectations, South Africa’s relatively inexperienced squad displayed remarkable maturity and discipline, outperforming and outclassing their Indian counterparts. The underdog narrative took a turn as South Africa’s rookies pounded, battered, and outplayed India, making them appear like amateurs.
In a match where many Indian batters threw away their wickets and lacked the application to bat on a challenging pitch, only Kohli demonstrated resilience in the second innings. However, his efforts proved insufficient as the rest of the team crumbled under the strategic bowling tactics employed by South Africa. The dismal performance of the Indian batters in both innings elicited strong reactions on social media, with fans expressing disappointment and emphasizing the absence of Rishabh Pant. Pant, sidelined due to a fatal car accident in December 2022, has been a consistent saviour for India in Test cricket, playing match-winning innings under pressure.
Also read: SA vs IND: Fans Lash Out At The Indian Batters For Their Shambolic Performance In The Centurion Test
Rishabh Pant’s absence was keenly felt as fans reminisced about his match-winning performances for India in Tests. Pant’s ability to play crucial innings under pressure has been instrumental in India’s success, making him a vital asset in the longest format of the game.
SA vs IND: Fans Miss Rishabh Pant After India’s Defeat In The Centurion Test
