The Indian batters faced a formidable challenge in their quest for a series win on South African soil, contending with the host team’s adept pacers who started strong right from the opening over.
Swiftly dismissing the top three Indian batsmen, they then proceeded to disrupt a promising 68-run partnership between Shreyas Iyer and Virat Kohli after Lunch, exposing vulnerabilities in the tourists’ batting lineup.
Amid a surface where most batsmen struggled against the pace bowlers, KL Rahul, in a revamped form, effortlessly showcased elegant stroke play. An illustrative moment occurred when the wicketkeeper-batsman elegantly dispatched a splendid inside-out shot over the covers off Marco Jansen’s delivery, setting the tone in the 45th over.
While Jansen grappled to make an impact with the new ball for South Africa, Kagiso Rabada, operating from the opposite end, added to the Indian batters’ difficulties.
A 5️⃣0️⃣ to remember!
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 26, 2023
Down to his new role in the middle order & @klrahul fights a splendid battle, pivoting #TeamIndia to a respectable total!
Tune in to #SAvIND 1st Test
LIVE NOW | Star Sports Network#Cricket pic.twitter.com/Vxo0Na8FwC
Exploiting the width offered, Rahul confidently struck a fuller delivery aimed near the fifth stump line, sending the ball soaring beyond the fence. The only contenders for catching the ball were the spectators seated in the grassy bank behind the boundary.
Twitter swiftly recognized and praised this moment, acknowledging the finesse displayed by the Karnataka-born star, who made batting appear effortless in South Africa’s formidable stronghold.