During Day 1 of the first Test between India and South Africa at Supersport Park, Centurion, Indian wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul remained composed despite South African pacer Marco Jansen’s attempts to engage in a heated exchange. Jansen seemed intent on rattling Rahul, perhaps to disrupt his focus by encouraging him to take aggressive shots. However, Rahul responded with a smile, maintaining his calm demeanor instead of getting flustered.
Rahul’s inclusion as the wicketkeeper-batsman in the Indian squad initially raised eyebrows, particularly after being dropped from the Test side earlier in the year. Nonetheless, in the ongoing innings, Rahul has been exceptional, holding firm at an unbeaten 70* at the time of reporting.
India faced an early setback at 24/3 before a partnership of 68 runs between Shreyas Iyer and Virat Kohli steadied their innings. Following lunch, Kagiso Rabada delivered an impressive spell, dismissing both well-set batsmen along with Ravichandran Ashwin.
Initially appearing vulnerable to a quick collapse, India’s fortunes shifted as KL Rahul and Shardul Thakur collaborated, adding a crucial 43 runs that tilted the momentum in India’s favor. Thakur continued playing attacking shots while Rahul demonstrated complete control at the crease.
After Thakur’s dismissal, Rahul embraced the role of aggressor, seizing every opportunity to score runs. Mohammed Siraj offered support as India reached 208/8 before rain halted play.
KL Rahul vs Jansen 😂😂😂#INDvsSApic.twitter.com/BNBrxpAkq1
— Hasnain Shah 𝕏 (@shahhasnain77) December 26, 2023
With the ball swinging throughout the day, South Africa is feeling the pressure, while India, despite a shaky start, finds themselves in a relatively favorable position.