In the first Test against India in Centurion, South Africa didn’t have to strain. They experienced a setback when captain Temba Bavuma got injured. Their key pacer, Lungi Ngidi, was deemed unfit to play. As a result, they had to introduce two newcomers, David Bedingham and Nandre Burger.
But the Proteas breezed through all of those storms to thrash India by an innings and 32 runs, establishing a commanding 1-0 lead in the two-match series. Dean Elgar stole the event with a stunning century, while Kagiso Rabada let loose at one of his favorite haunts.
Rohit Sharma and co. must start over after suffering their first defeat of the 2017 World Test Championship cycle and blowing another opportunity to win their maiden Test series in the Rainbow Nation. However, there are a few things they can look back on with joy.
Here are three positives for Team India following their dismal loss to South Africa in the first Test.
1. Jasprit Bumrah makes a perfect comeback in Tests
Jasprit Bumrah last took part in a red-ball match for India in July 2022, proceeding the first Test against South Africa. A lasting back problem left him idle for almost a year. However, he marked his return just in time for the 2023 World Cup.
When Bumrah returned to the Test fold after a long absence, all eyes were on him. He bowled more than 26 overs without incident and at a reasonable pace throughout. While Rohit was cautious with the spearhead, it was encouraging that there were no fitness worries.
Bumrah was also in great form, scooping up four wickets and being the team’s main danger. What would happen if India didn’t have him?
2. KL Rahul makes a stunning start as wicket-keeper
Rishabh Pant shone with the bat under tough conditions the previous time India visited South Africa. The visitors lacked the maverick left-hander this time, so KL Rahul was handed the gloves for the first time in his Test career.
Rahul, who batted at No. 6, also had to re-acclimate to a middle-order role. He passed both tests with flying colors, hitting a magnificent century in the first inning before being largely clean with his glovework.
Rahul has a knack for hitting big shots overseas, and his Centurion epic was one of his best. India will be hoping that he can keep up his form, both behind and in front of the stumps, till Pant recovers.
3. Virat Kohli ends 2023 on a high note with stellar form across formats
Between 2020 and 2022, Virat Kohli wasn’t performing at his peak level. His yearly scores averaged out to 19.33, 28.21, and 26.5. He hit zero hundreds during this period and was out without scoring four times.
With the arrival of 2023, things began to improve. Kohli’s final Test of the calendar year also went well, with scores of 38 and 76 in incredibly difficult circumstances. Overall, the great hitter averaged 55.92 and hit two tons.
India is experiencing a challenging period, with one shining light being Kohli’s return to peak performance. The past leader demonstrated poise in Centurion, fueling the team’s optimism about his undiminished prowess in red-ball cricket.
