On Tuesday, December 26, at the SuprSport Park in Centurion, during the first Test match between India and South Africa, wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul of India was relatively poised at the crease, despite the latter’s attempts to get into a heated confrontation with South African speedster Marco Jansen.
Jansen’s request for Rahul to play his shots seemed to be an attempt to get under his skin and interfere with his focus. Rather than becoming agitated, Rahul seemed to respond with a smile.
This is the incident’s video:
— Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka (@Hanji_CricDekho) December 26, 2023
KL Rahul’s gritty knock lifts India past 200 on Day 1 of 1st Test
Many were surprised when KL Rahul, the wicketkeeper-batter, was chosen for the Indian team. This was because he was earlier removed from the Test team. But so far, in his current innings of 70*, he’s been impressive.
The visiting team’s score fell to 24/3 at one point. Then Shreyas Iyer and Virat Kohli made a comeback with a 68-run tie. Kagiso Rabada, right after lunch, delivered a superb spell. He sent off the pair and also Ravichandran Ashwin.
Though it appeared like the visitors would be outscored immediately, KL Rahul and Shardul Thakur combined for a vital 43 runs to turn the tide in favour of India. Rahul appeared to be in total control at the other end while Thakur continued to make his strokes.
Rahul assumed the aggressive role after the all-rounder was removed and didn’t miss a chance to score runs. Rain has stopped play, but Mohammed Siraj has managed to stay in Rahul’s company as India has reached 208/8.
India will be glad to be in this position following a rocky start, while South Africa will be under pressure since the ball has been seaming around all day.