Former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar opened up on Jasprit Bumrah's heated exchange with Marco Jansen during Day 3 of the second and penultimate Test between both sides, at The Wanderers, Johannesburg.&nbsp;

On Wednesday (January 5), Bumrah came out to bat in India's second essay and was greeted with a barrage of short balls by Jansen, SA's fast-bowling all-rounder. While Bumrah tried to connect, he failed to do so on his first attempt and dusted his shoulder after the ball hit him. The short-ball ploy continued from Jansen as Bumrah failed to connect but amid all this, the two gave each other a stare, exchanged some words and stormed in the middle of the pitch as the altercation seemed to have turned ugly for a bit.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-sa-2nd-test-tempers-flare-between-bumrah-and-jansen-during-day-3-of-jburg-contest-watch-442481">Ind vs SA, 2nd Test: Tempers flare between Bumrah and Jansen during Day 3 of J'burg contest - WATCH</a>

Former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has now commented on the entire episode while speaking on&nbsp;ESPNCricinfo.

He said, "This anger thing is interesting. It happened in England as well. I don’t like this side of Bumrah. It’s a side of Bumrah I don’t want to see too much of. I like it when things get really hot, he has a smile on his face, like he usually does."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/keep-your-mouth-shut-pant-tells-rassie-van-der-dussen-as-duos-heated-exchange-caught-on-stump-mic-442454">Keep your mouth shut: Pant tells Rassie van der Dussen as duo's heated exchange caught on stump mic</a>

To the surprise of many, Bumrah hasn't had much success in terms of wickets in the second Test in J'burg. So far, the speedster has taken only one wicket in the match and will hope for more success as the KL Rahul-led visitors need 8 more wickets to win, defending 240, whereas the Proteas are just 122 runs away from victory. Hence, Manjrekar feels Bumrah has not got much purchase from the wicket as he should have and said, "There’s never a problem with Bumrah not having any control. He will always pitch the ball where he wants to. I am a little concerned that nothing much is happening after the ball is pitching where he wants to. I’d like to see the ball rear in, jagging back off the seam or leaving the right-hander."

“The amount of times Shardul Thakur beat the bat tells you that Bumrah is just not getting enough reaction from the pitch for some reason,” he pointed out.

Day 4 of the second Test, on Thursday (January 6), has seen a delayed start due to rain interruption and wet outfield. India will, however, hope for the 28-year-old speedster Bumrah to get back into full form and lead the side to a historic Test series win with regular breakthroughs in the remainder of the J'burg Test.

Former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar opened up on Jasprit Bumrah's heated exchange with Marco Jansen during Day 3 of the second and penultimate Test between both sides, at The Wanderers, Johannesburg.

Former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar opened up on Jasprit Bumrah's heated exchange with Marco Jansen during Day 3 of the second and penultimate Test between both sides, at The Wanderers, Johannesburg. On Wednesday (January 5), Bumrah came out to bat in India's second essay and was greeted with a barrage of short balls by Jansen, SA's fast-bowling all-rounder. While Bumrah tried to connect, he failed to do so on his first attempt and dusted his shoulder after the ball hit him. The short-ball ploy continued from Jansen as Bumrah failed to connect but amid all this, the two gave each other a stare, exchanged some words and stormed in the middle of the pitch as the altercation seemed to have turned ugly for a bit. ALSO READ | Ind vs SA, 2nd Test: Tempers flare between Bumrah and Jansen during Day 3 of J'burg contest - WATCH Former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has now commented on the entire episode while speaking on ESPNCricinfo. He said, "This anger thing is interesting. It happened in England as well. I don’t like this side of Bumrah. It’s a side of Bumrah I don’t want to see too much of. I like it when things get really hot, he has a smile on his face, like he usually does." ALSO READ | Keep your mouth shut: Pant tells Rassie van der Dussen as duo's heated exchange caught on stump mic To the surprise of many, Bumrah hasn't had much success in terms of wickets in the second Test in J'burg. So far, the speedster has taken only one wicket in the match and will hope for more success as the KL Rahul-led visitors need 8 more wickets to win, defending 240, whereas the Proteas are just 122 runs away from victory. Hence, Manjrekar feels Bumrah has not got much purchase from the wicket as he should have and said, "There’s never a problem with Bumrah not having any control. He will always pitch the ball where he wants to. I am a little concerned that nothing much is happening after the ball is pitching where he wants to. I’d like to see the ball rear in, jagging back off the seam or leaving the right-hander." “The amount of times Shardul Thakur beat the bat tells you that Bumrah is just not getting enough reaction from the pitch for some reason,” he pointed out. Day 4 of the second Test, on Thursday (January 6), has seen a delayed start due to rain interruption and wet outfield. India will, however, hope for the 28-year-old speedster Bumrah to get back into full form and lead the side to a historic Test series win with regular breakthroughs in the remainder of the J'burg Test.

Don't like this side of Jasprit Bumrah: Manjrekar reacts to Indian speedster's heated exchange with Jansen

Rishabh Pant departed for a three-ball duck on Day 3 of the second and penultimate Test between India and South Africa at The Wanderers, Johannesburg on Wednesday (January 5). Coming out to bat with India losing both their overnight batters -- Cheteshwar Pujara (53) and Ajinkya Rahane (58) -- Pant had to stitch a partnership with Hanuma Vihari as India's lead was still far away from going past the 200-run mark.

However, the swashbuckling left-hander Pant got involved in a heated exchange with Rassie van der Dussen before playing a poor shot (on his third delivery) off Kagiso Rabada to depart for a duck. The youngster danced down the track to take on Rabada, however, he managed an edge which was taken cleanly by the keeper. Hence, Pant's shot selection was slammed by many on-air, including Little Master Sunil Gavaskar.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/keep-your-mouth-shut-pant-tells-rassie-van-der-dussen-as-duos-heated-exchange-caught-on-stump-mic-442454">Keep your mouth shut: Pant tells Rassie van der Dussen as duo's heated exchange caught on stump mic</a>

After stumps on Day 3 of the J'burg Test, former Indian opener-turned-commentator Gautam Gambhir also slammed Pant. “It’s foolishness. Even if he (Rishabh Pant) had got a six off the ball, he shouldn’t have played the shot,” Gambhir said while speaking to&nbsp;Star Sports.

"Unbelievable, you will call that stupidity and not bravery. The way Rahane and Pujara got you back in this Test match, you have given it back to South Africa. This is not Test cricket. There is a very thin line to call yourself brave. If you had hit a six as well with that shot, you would still not have called that an excellent shot. Test cricket is all about handling pressure and you knew that Rabada was bowling his fourth or fifth over," Gambhir added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-excuses-none-of-that-nonsense-gavaskar-slams-pant-after-his-dismissal-on-day-3-of-jbrug-test-442445">'No excuses, none of that nonsense...' - Gavaskar slams Pant after his dismissal on Day 3 of J'brug Test</a>

Day 3 ended with SA needing 122 more runs to win -- in pursuit of 240 -- whereas KL Rahul-led India are in search of 8 more wickets to win the contest and achieve their maiden series win on African soil.&nbsp;

Day 4 has seen a delayed start, on Thursday (January 6), due to rain interruption.

Rishabh Pant departed for a three-ball duck on Day 3 of the second and penultimate Test between India and South Africa at The Wanderers, Johannesburg on Wednesday (January 5).

Rishabh Pant departed for a three-ball duck on Day 3 of the second and penultimate Test between India and South Africa at The Wanderers, Johannesburg on Wednesday (January 5). Coming out to bat with India losing both their overnight batters -- Cheteshwar Pujara (53) and Ajinkya Rahane (58) -- Pant had to stitch a partnership with Hanuma Vihari as India's lead was still far away from going past the 200-run mark. However, the swashbuckling left-hander Pant got involved in a heated exchange with Rassie van der Dussen before playing a poor shot (on his third delivery) off Kagiso Rabada to depart for a duck. The youngster danced down the track to take on Rabada, however, he managed an edge which was taken cleanly by the keeper. Hence, Pant's shot selection was slammed by many on-air, including Little Master Sunil Gavaskar. ALSO READ | Keep your mouth shut: Pant tells Rassie van der Dussen as duo's heated exchange caught on stump mic After stumps on Day 3 of the J'burg Test, former Indian opener-turned-commentator Gautam Gambhir also slammed Pant. “It’s foolishness. Even if he (Rishabh Pant) had got a six off the ball, he shouldn’t have played the shot,” Gambhir said while speaking to Star Sports. "Unbelievable, you will call that stupidity and not bravery. The way Rahane and Pujara got you back in this Test match, you have given it back to South Africa. This is not Test cricket. There is a very thin line to call yourself brave. If you had hit a six as well with that shot, you would still not have called that an excellent shot. Test cricket is all about handling pressure and you knew that Rabada was bowling his fourth or fifth over," Gambhir added. ALSO READ | 'No excuses, none of that nonsense...' - Gavaskar slams Pant after his dismissal on Day 3 of J'brug Test Day 3 ended with SA needing 122 more runs to win -- in pursuit of 240 -- whereas KL Rahul-led India are in search of 8 more wickets to win the contest and achieve their maiden series win on African soil. Day 4 has seen a delayed start, on Thursday (January 6), due to rain interruption.

It's foolishness, stupidity and not bravery: Gambhir slams Pant's shot selection on Day 3 of J'burg Test

Day 3 of the second and penultimate Test between India and South Africa, at The Wanderers Johannesburg, ended on a cliff hanger as Proteas require 122 more runs whereas KL Rahul-led India are 8 wickets away from win.&nbsp;

The third day's play started with Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane in the middle, resuming India's second essay from 85-2 (with the overall lead standing at 58 runs). The out-of-form duo looked in positive frame of mind and accumulated runs at will as the lead went past the three-figure mark with ease. However, both fell after reaching their respective half-centuries as the onus fell on Hanuma Vihari and Rishabh Pant.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-sa-2nd-test-tempers-flare-between-bumrah-and-jansen-during-day-3-of-jburg-contest-watch-442481">Ind vs SA, 2nd Test: Tempers flare between Bumrah and Jansen during Day 3 of J'burg contest - WATCH</a>

Pant got involved in a heated exchange with Rassie van der Dussen but didn't trouble the scorers as he fell for 0. Courtesy a cameo from Shardul Thakur (28) and Vihari's 40 not out, India fell for 266 as they setup a competitive 240-run target for the Dean Elgar-led hosts.&nbsp;

In reply, Elgar and Aiden Markram started off on a positive note before Markram was trapped lbw off Thakur. Elgar stitched another vital stand with No. 3 batter Keegan Petersen before Ashwin removed the latter against the run of play. Rahul attacked by employing a leg-slip and even called back Jasprit Bumrah (who had an altercation with Marco Jansen early in the day), but the speedster conceded runs at will despite troubling Elgar with his pace and bounce. Mohammad Shami also tested the SA captain but none could remove him as the left-hander held one end firmly. He was given company by van der Dussen before stumps on Day 3.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/keep-your-mouth-shut-pant-tells-rassie-van-der-dussen-as-duos-heated-exchange-caught-on-stump-mic-442454">Keep your mouth shut: Pant tells Rassie van der Dussen as duo's heated exchange caught on stump mic</a>

Hence, the result is surely going to come out on the penultimate day as both sides have a solid chance to win. SA have a slight edge as they have started their run-chase very well, however, India need 8 good deliveries to win and clinch their maiden Test series on South African soil.

Day 3 of the second and penultimate Test between India and South Africa, at The Wanderers Johannesburg, ended on a cliff hanger as Proteas require 122 more runs whereas KL Rahul-led India are 8 wickets away from win.

Day 3 of the second and penultimate Test between India and South Africa, at The Wanderers Johannesburg, ended on a cliff hanger as Proteas require 122 more runs whereas KL Rahul-led India are 8 wickets away from win. The third day's play started with Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane in the middle, resuming India's second essay from 85-2 (with the overall lead standing at 58 runs). The out-of-form duo looked in positive frame of mind and accumulated runs at will as the lead went past the three-figure mark with ease. However, both fell after reaching their respective half-centuries as the onus fell on Hanuma Vihari and Rishabh Pant. ALSO READ | Ind vs SA, 2nd Test: Tempers flare between Bumrah and Jansen during Day 3 of J'burg contest - WATCH Pant got involved in a heated exchange with Rassie van der Dussen but didn't trouble the scorers as he fell for 0. Courtesy a cameo from Shardul Thakur (28) and Vihari's 40 not out, India fell for 266 as they setup a competitive 240-run target for the Dean Elgar-led hosts. In reply, Elgar and Aiden Markram started off on a positive note before Markram was trapped lbw off Thakur. Elgar stitched another vital stand with No. 3 batter Keegan Petersen before Ashwin removed the latter against the run of play. Rahul attacked by employing a leg-slip and even called back Jasprit Bumrah (who had an altercation with Marco Jansen early in the day), but the speedster conceded runs at will despite troubling Elgar with his pace and bounce. Mohammad Shami also tested the SA captain but none could remove him as the left-hander held one end firmly. He was given company by van der Dussen before stumps on Day 3. ALSO READ | Keep your mouth shut: Pant tells Rassie van der Dussen as duo's heated exchange caught on stump mic Hence, the result is surely going to come out on the penultimate day as both sides have a solid chance to win. SA have a slight edge as they have started their run-chase very well, however, India need 8 good deliveries to win and clinch their maiden Test series on South African soil.

IND vs SA, 2nd Test: Visitors need 8 more wickets, Proteas 122 runs away from win at stumps on Day 3

The third day's play in the second and penultimate Test between India and South Africa -- at The Wanderers, Johannesburg -- has been a topsy-turvy ride between the two sides. While India commenced the day by leading SA by 58&nbsp;runs with 8 wickets in hand and looked to stretch the lead beyond the 200-run mark, a lot of action took place before India folded for 266; setting up a target of 240.

Rishabh Pant and Rassie van der Dussen got involved in a heated exchange before Jasprit Bumrah and Marco Jansen also had a war of words and confrontation in the middle of the 22-yard cricket strip. When Bumrah came out to bat, Jansen applied the short-ball tactics versus India's stand-in vice-captain. Bumrah took on the short balls but failed to time them off Jansen.

After one of Jansen's short balls hit his shoulders, Bumrah dusted his shoulder to show no signs of pain. Jansen continued to use the same ploy versus the 28-year-old speedster as the two gave each other a stare, exchanged words and came storming towards each other in the middle of the pitch. The umpire finally interrupted and separated both the players. Here's the video of the heated altercation:

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/keep-your-mouth-shut-pant-tells-rassie-van-der-dussen-as-duos-heated-exchange-caught-on-stump-mic-442454">Keep your mouth shut: Pant tells Rassie van der Dussen as duo's heated exchange caught on stump mic</a>

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Anderson vs Bumrah 2.0<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsSA</a> <a href="https://t.co/UO1EtsaPGB">pic.twitter.com/UO1EtsaPGB</a>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-excuses-none-of-that-nonsense-gavaskar-slams-pant-after-his-dismissal-on-day-3-of-jbrug-test-442445">'No excuses, none of that nonsense...' - Gavaskar slams Pant after his dismissal on Day 3 of J'brug Test</a>

Bumrah managed to hit a huge six off Kagiso Rabada in the next over before falling to Lungi Ngidi (caught by Jansen) to depart for an entertaining 7. India finally folded for 266 with Hanuma Vihari unbeaten on 40.&nbsp;

With India setting a competitive 240-run target, the Proteas started on a good note and managed to reach 99 runs, for the loss of two wickets, after 30 overs in the run-chase. The match, thus, is evenly poised at The Wanderers, Johannesburg.

The third day's play in the second and penultimate Test between India and South Africa -- at The Wanderers, Johannesburg -- has been a topsy-turvy ride between the two sides.

The third day's play in the second and penultimate Test between India and South Africa -- at The Wanderers, Johannesburg -- has been a topsy-turvy ride between the two sides. While India commenced the day by leading SA by 58 runs with 8 wickets in hand and looked to stretch the lead beyond the 200-run mark, a lot of action took place before India folded for 266; setting up a target of 240. Rishabh Pant and Rassie van der Dussen got involved in a heated exchange before Jasprit Bumrah and Marco Jansen also had a war of words and confrontation in the middle of the 22-yard cricket strip. When Bumrah came out to bat, Jansen applied the short-ball tactics versus India's stand-in vice-captain. Bumrah took on the short balls but failed to time them off Jansen. After one of Jansen's short balls hit his shoulders, Bumrah dusted his shoulder to show no signs of pain. Jansen continued to use the same ploy versus the 28-year-old speedster as the two gave each other a stare, exchanged words and came storming towards each other in the middle of the pitch. The umpire finally interrupted and separated both the players. Here's the video of the heated altercation: ALSO READ | Keep your mouth shut: Pant tells Rassie van der Dussen as duo's heated exchange caught on stump mic Anderson vs Bumrah 2.0#INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/UO1EtsaPGB — Umakant (@Umakant_27) January 5, 2022 × ALSO READ | 'No excuses, none of that nonsense...' - Gavaskar slams Pant after his dismissal on Day 3 of J'brug Test Bumrah managed to hit a huge six off Kagiso Rabada in the next over before falling to Lungi Ngidi (caught by Jansen) to depart for an entertaining 7. India finally folded for 266 with Hanuma Vihari unbeaten on 40. With India setting a competitive 240-run target, the Proteas started on a good note and managed to reach 99 runs, for the loss of two wickets, after 30 overs in the run-chase. The match, thus, is evenly poised at The Wanderers, Johannesburg.

Ind vs SA, 2nd Test: Tempers flare between Bumrah and Jansen during Day 3 of J'burg contest - WATCH

Day 3 of the second and penultimate Test between India and South Africa has been a pulsating affair at The Wanderers, Johannesburg. The day's play started with Indian batters Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane in the middle, trying to stretch India's lead, back then at 58 (being 85-2), versus the Proteas.

Both Pujara and Rahane started off on a positive note and added runs at will. After both the senior pros fell after reaching their respective half-centuries, the onus fell on Rishabh Pant and Hanuma Vihari. Pant came in the middle after not having much success in his last ten innings in whites (with only one fifty under his belt). Thus, the swashbuckling left-hander had a point to make with India also in search of a partnership.

Nonetheless, Pant got involved in a heated exchange with forward short-leg fielder Rassie van der Dussen. The South African had some talk with the left-hander, trying to deter his concentration and probably reminding him of his controversial dismissal on Day 2, whereas Pant also didn't back out. For the unversed, Rassie was given out controversially on Tuesday (January 4), after he edged one to the keeper but the ball seemed to have touched the ground before being plucked by Pant.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-excuses-none-of-that-nonsense-gavaskar-slams-pant-after-his-dismissal-on-day-3-of-jbrug-test-442445">'No excuses, none of that nonsense...' - Gavaskar slams Pant after his dismissal on Day 3 of J'brug Test</a>

Thus, Rassie probably tried to remind Pant of his dismissal and aimed to dent his focus. Whatever was the talk, the 24-year-old Pant didn't hold back and replied by saying, "If you have half knowledge, then keep your mouth shut." Here's the video of their heated interaction:

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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kl-rahul-jasprit-bumrah-kagiso-rabada-move-up-in-icc-mens-test-rankings-442427">KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah, Kagiso Rabada move up in ICC Men's Test Rankings</a>

However, Rassie got the better of Pant as the latter soon danced down the track to take on bowler Kagiso Rabada and fell for a three-back duck. After his departure, India were held by a quickfire 28 by Shardul Thakur and Hanuma Vihari's 40 not out as visitors were all-out for 266, setting up a competitive 240-run target for the home side.&nbsp;

India already lead the three-match series 1-0. If they win the J'burg Test, this will be their first-ever series win on South African soil.

Day 3 of the second and penultimate Test between India and South Africa has been a pulsating affair at The Wanderers, Johannesburg. The day's play started with Indian batters Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane in the middle, trying to stretch India's lead, back then at 58 (being 85-2), versus the Proteas.

Day 3 of the second and penultimate Test between India and South Africa has been a pulsating affair at The Wanderers, Johannesburg. The day's play started with Indian batters Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane in the middle, trying to stretch India's lead, back then at 58 (being 85-2), versus the Proteas. Both Pujara and Rahane started off on a positive note and added runs at will. After both the senior pros fell after reaching their respective half-centuries, the onus fell on Rishabh Pant and Hanuma Vihari. Pant came in the middle after not having much success in his last ten innings in whites (with only one fifty under his belt). Thus, the swashbuckling left-hander had a point to make with India also in search of a partnership. Nonetheless, Pant got involved in a heated exchange with forward short-leg fielder Rassie van der Dussen. The South African had some talk with the left-hander, trying to deter his concentration and probably reminding him of his controversial dismissal on Day 2, whereas Pant also didn't back out. For the unversed, Rassie was given out controversially on Tuesday (January 4), after he edged one to the keeper but the ball seemed to have touched the ground before being plucked by Pant. ALSO READ | 'No excuses, none of that nonsense...' - Gavaskar slams Pant after his dismissal on Day 3 of J'brug Test Thus, Rassie probably tried to remind Pant of his dismissal and aimed to dent his focus. Whatever was the talk, the 24-year-old Pant didn't hold back and replied by saying, "If you have half knowledge, then keep your mouth shut." Here's the video of their heated interaction: pic.twitter.com/4ThWxKabwF — Maqbool (@im_maqbool) January 5, 2022 × ALSO READ | KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah, Kagiso Rabada move up in ICC Men's Test Rankings However, Rassie got the better of Pant as the latter soon danced down the track to take on bowler Kagiso Rabada and fell for a three-back duck. After his departure, India were held by a quickfire 28 by Shardul Thakur and Hanuma Vihari's 40 not out as visitors were all-out for 266, setting up a competitive 240-run target for the home side. India already lead the three-match series 1-0. If they win the J'burg Test, this will be their first-ever series win on South African soil.

Keep your mouth shut: Pant tells Rassie van der Dussen as duo's heated exchange caught on stump mic

Day 3 of the second and penultimate Test between India and South Africa started on an emphatic note for the KL Rahul-led visitors. The overnight batters in the form of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane came out with positive intent and added some quick runs in the first hour of the day's play.&nbsp;

Scoring at a rapid pace, India strengthened their position and bolstered their lead past the three-figure mark. However, both Pujara and Rahane fell quickly after reaching their respective half-centuries. With two wickets falling on the trot, the onus fell on Hanuma Vihari and Rishabh Pant. The two were expected to start from scratch and extend India's lead past the 200-run mark but Pant fell for a three-ball duck.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kl-rahul-jasprit-bumrah-kagiso-rabada-move-up-in-icc-mens-test-rankings-442427">KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah, Kagiso Rabada move up in ICC Men's Test Rankings</a>

Tested by the extra pace of Kagiso Rabada, his Delhi Capitals' (DC) teammate, Pant danced down the track to take on the SA seamer very early in his innings (facing his third delivery). However, he failed to connect properly, got a thick edge and was caught for nought. Hence, Little Master Sunil Gavaskar slammed Pant's approach after his miserable outing on Day 3 of the second Test.

Gavaskar, who is in South Africa for the commentary duties, told on-air, "You have got two new batsmen at the crease and then you saw that shot from Rishabh Pant. Forgettable, no excuses for that shot, no excuses. None of that nonsense about that being his natural game."

"There is supposed to be a bit of responsibility shown. Because there are others taking the blows. There are guys like Rahane and Pujara who have taken it on their body. So you also fight it out. I tell you what, you won't get too many kind words in the changing room," Gavaskar further asserted in the commentary box.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/who-are-you-wicket-falls-if-you-just-bowl-ashwins-hilarious-remark-for-shardul-caught-on-stump-mic-442404">Who are you? Wicket falls if you just bowl: Ashwin's hilarious remark for Shardul caught on stump-mic</a>

Despite Pant's struggles, India managed to setup a competitive 240-run target for the Dean Elgar-led hosts in the Johannesburg Test courtesy a quick cameo from Shardul Thakur and Vihari's 40 not out.&nbsp;

India are on the cusp of winning their maiden Test series on South African soil after winning the three-match Test series opener, at Centurion, by 113 runs.

Day 3 of the second and penultimate Test between India and South Africa started on an emphatic note for the KL Rahul-led visitors. The overnight batters in the form of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane came out with positive intent and added some quick runs in the first hour of the day's play.

Day 3 of the second and penultimate Test between India and South Africa started on an emphatic note for the KL Rahul-led visitors. The overnight batters in the form of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane came out with positive intent and added some quick runs in the first hour of the day's play. Scoring at a rapid pace, India strengthened their position and bolstered their lead past the three-figure mark. However, both Pujara and Rahane fell quickly after reaching their respective half-centuries. With two wickets falling on the trot, the onus fell on Hanuma Vihari and Rishabh Pant. The two were expected to start from scratch and extend India's lead past the 200-run mark but Pant fell for a three-ball duck. ALSO READ | KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah, Kagiso Rabada move up in ICC Men's Test Rankings Tested by the extra pace of Kagiso Rabada, his Delhi Capitals' (DC) teammate, Pant danced down the track to take on the SA seamer very early in his innings (facing his third delivery). However, he failed to connect properly, got a thick edge and was caught for nought. Hence, Little Master Sunil Gavaskar slammed Pant's approach after his miserable outing on Day 3 of the second Test. Gavaskar, who is in South Africa for the commentary duties, told on-air, "You have got two new batsmen at the crease and then you saw that shot from Rishabh Pant. Forgettable, no excuses for that shot, no excuses. None of that nonsense about that being his natural game." "There is supposed to be a bit of responsibility shown. Because there are others taking the blows. There are guys like Rahane and Pujara who have taken it on their body. So you also fight it out. I tell you what, you won't get too many kind words in the changing room," Gavaskar further asserted in the commentary box. ALSO READ | Who are you? Wicket falls if you just bowl: Ashwin's hilarious remark for Shardul caught on stump-mic Despite Pant's struggles, India managed to setup a competitive 240-run target for the Dean Elgar-led hosts in the Johannesburg Test courtesy a quick cameo from Shardul Thakur and Vihari's 40 not out. India are on the cusp of winning their maiden Test series on South African soil after winning the three-match Test series opener, at Centurion, by 113 runs.

'No excuses, none of that nonsense...' - Gavaskar slams Pant after his dismissal on Day 3 of J'brug Test

In the latest MRG Types ICC Men's Test Player Rankings, a lot of Indian players have jumped few places along with the South African counterparts. After the Centurion Test, a lot of changes have been made in the latest rankings for players in the purest format of the game.

Opener KL Rahul, who is the stand-in captain for the second Test in Johannesburg, has made a huge gain of 18 slots to reach 31st position among batters in the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings. For the unversed, the 29-year-old has reaped rewards&nbsp;post his Player of the Match effort in the series opener in Centurion (scoring a ton), which helped India beat the Dean Elgar-led Proteas by 113 runs and go a 1-0 up in the three-match series.

Rahul's career-best rankings in whites is the eighth position, attained in November 2017. His masterclass 123 in the first innings of the Centurion Test paved the way for India's first-ever win at the venue, also breaking SA's unbeaten streak in the iconic stadium since 2014. This also became the first-ever win by an Asian side in whites at SuperSport Park, Centurion.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/who-are-you-wicket-falls-if-you-just-bowl-ashwins-hilarious-remark-for-shardul-caught-on-stump-mic-442404">Who are you? Wicket falls if you just bowl: Ashwin's hilarious remark for Shardul caught on stump-mic</a>

Meanwhile, Rahul's opening partner Mayank Agarwal has gained one place for his contribution of 60 in the first innings of the Centurion Test. Former vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane has also moved up two places to 25th in the latest update. Rahane has also made a gritty 58 in India's second innings of the ongoing Johannesburg Test.

Pace duo Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami have risen up in the rankings. Bumrah is up three spots to ninth after the Centurion tie whereas Shami moved from 19th to occupy the 17th spot. The former had returned with five wickets in the series opener whereas Shami had eight wickets up his sleeves (including a five-fer).

On the other hand, South Africa, captain and opener Dean Elgar has progressed two spots to 14th spot whereas the limited-overs skipper Temba Bavuma has now taken the 39th position. Both had a fifty each in the series opener. Bavuma also returned with another fifty in SA's first innings in the J'burg Test.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kl-rahul-dean-elgar-involved-in-war-of-words-after-indian-captains-dismissal-on-day-2-of-jburg-test-442390">KL Rahul, Dean Elgar involved in war of words after Indian captain's dismissal on Day 2 of J'burg Test</a>

Kagiso Rabada&nbsp;and Lungi Ngidi are occupying the&nbsp;sixth and 30th position, respectively, while Centurion Test's debutant left-arm pacer Marco Jensen entered the rankings to hold the 97th position.

More changes are expected to be made post the end of the J'burg Test. A lot of action in Test cricket has also taken place with Bangladesh beating World Test Champions New Zealand in their own backyard, to win the first Test, whereas the fourth Ashes Test got underway on January 5 (Wednesday). Hence, wholesome changes are expected in the coming days.

In the latest MRG Types ICC Men's Test Player Rankings, a lot of Indian players have jumped few places along with the South African counterparts. After the Centurion Test, a lot of changes have been made in the latest rankings for players in the purest format of the game.

In the latest MRG Types ICC Men's Test Player Rankings, a lot of Indian players have jumped few places along with the South African counterparts. After the Centurion Test, a lot of changes have been made in the latest rankings for players in the purest format of the game. Opener KL Rahul, who is the stand-in captain for the second Test in Johannesburg, has made a huge gain of 18 slots to reach 31st position among batters in the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s Test Player Rankings. For the unversed, the 29-year-old has reaped rewards post his Player of the Match effort in the series opener in Centurion (scoring a ton), which helped India beat the Dean Elgar-led Proteas by 113 runs and go a 1-0 up in the three-match series. Rahul's career-best rankings in whites is the eighth position, attained in November 2017. His masterclass 123 in the first innings of the Centurion Test paved the way for India's first-ever win at the venue, also breaking SA's unbeaten streak in the iconic stadium since 2014. This also became the first-ever win by an Asian side in whites at SuperSport Park, Centurion. ALSO READ | Who are you? Wicket falls if you just bowl: Ashwin's hilarious remark for Shardul caught on stump-mic Meanwhile, Rahul's opening partner Mayank Agarwal has gained one place for his contribution of 60 in the first innings of the Centurion Test. Former vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane has also moved up two places to 25th in the latest update. Rahane has also made a gritty 58 in India's second innings of the ongoing Johannesburg Test. Pace duo Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami have risen up in the rankings. Bumrah is up three spots to ninth after the Centurion tie whereas Shami moved from 19th to occupy the 17th spot. The former had returned with five wickets in the series opener whereas Shami had eight wickets up his sleeves (including a five-fer). On the other hand, South Africa, captain and opener Dean Elgar has progressed two spots to 14th spot whereas the limited-overs skipper Temba Bavuma has now taken the 39th position. Both had a fifty each in the series opener. Bavuma also returned with another fifty in SA's first innings in the J'burg Test. ALSO READ | KL Rahul, Dean Elgar involved in war of words after Indian captain's dismissal on Day 2 of J'burg Test Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi are occupying the sixth and 30th position, respectively, while Centurion Test's debutant left-arm pacer Marco Jensen entered the rankings to hold the 97th position. More changes are expected to be made post the end of the J'burg Test. A lot of action in Test cricket has also taken place with Bangladesh beating World Test Champions New Zealand in their own backyard, to win the first Test, whereas the fourth Ashes Test got underway on January 5 (Wednesday). Hence, wholesome changes are expected in the coming days.

KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah, Kagiso Rabada move up in ICC Men's Test Rankings

Day 2 of the second and penultimate Test between India and South Africa, at The Wanderers, Johannesburg, was dominated by Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur. The 30-year-old returned with 7 for 61 -- best bowling figures by an Indian player against the Proteas -- to dismiss SA for 229 in response to India's 202.&nbsp;

The day started with the home side resuming at 35-1 before they were bamboozled by Shardul's fiery spell. The all-rounder got the wickets of skipper Dean Elgar, Rassie van der Dussen, Temba Bavuma, Marco Jansen, Keegan Petersen, etc. to pull India back into the contest. Whenever the Proteas had some partnerships in the middle, it was Shardul who came to the rescue for Rahul &amp; Co.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kl-rahul-dean-elgar-involved-in-war-of-words-after-indian-captains-dismissal-on-day-2-of-jburg-test-442390">KL Rahul, Dean Elgar involved in war of words after Indian captain's dismissal on Day 2 of J'burg Test</a>

Thus, the veteran off-spinner R Ashwin was shocked seeing the way proceedings panned out whenever Shardul came into the attack and resulted in breakthroughs. Hence, the 35-year-old Ashwin was heard as saying in his mother tongue (i.e. in Tamil):&nbsp;“Yarra nee, engendhu da pudichanga unna? Nee ball potaale wicket vizhum."&nbsp;The rough translation of the comment is:&nbsp;“Who are you? Wicket falls if you just bowl."

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Ash being heard on the stump pic after Thakur's 4th wicket: 
 
"Yarra nee, engendhu da pudichanga unna? Nee ball potaale wicket vizhum" 
 
😂😂😂😂😂
— Srini Mama (@SriniMaama16) <a href="https://twitter.com/SriniMaama16/status/1478339124809453571?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/updated-icc-world-test-championship-points-table-after-bangladesh-upset-nz-by-8-wickets-to-go-1-0-up-442363">Updated ICC World Test Championship points table after Bangladesh upset NZ by 8 wickets to go 1-0 up</a>

After Shardul's impressve spell, former Proteas pacer Morne Morkel told on Star Sports, "South Africa absorbed the pressure and the key was to fight through the first hour, get through Shami and Bumrah, and there on you can get the scoring options. You could see Siraj was only bowling at 50 percent. The table was set for South Africa but the game changes so quickly. You can’t lose concentration for a second as Shardul Thakur came and broke open the South African top-order."

Talking about the third day's play in J'burg Test, India are 188 for 6 -- leading SA by 161 runs --&nbsp;after having lost Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane (58), Rishabh Pant and Ashwin in the morning session on Wednesday (January 5). Shardul and Hanuma Vihari are in the middle, at the lunch break, and will look to setup a target in excess of 220 for the home side in the second and penultimate Test.

Day 2 of the second and penultimate Test between India and South Africa, at The Wanderers, Johannesburg, was dominated by Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur. The 30-year-old returned with 7 for 61 -- best bowling figures by an Indian player against the Proteas -- to dismiss SA for 229 in response to India's 202.

Day 2 of the second and penultimate Test between India and South Africa, at The Wanderers, Johannesburg, was dominated by Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur. The 30-year-old returned with 7 for 61 -- best bowling figures by an Indian player against the Proteas -- to dismiss SA for 229 in response to India's 202. The day started with the home side resuming at 35-1 before they were bamboozled by Shardul's fiery spell. The all-rounder got the wickets of skipper Dean Elgar, Rassie van der Dussen, Temba Bavuma, Marco Jansen, Keegan Petersen, etc. to pull India back into the contest. Whenever the Proteas had some partnerships in the middle, it was Shardul who came to the rescue for Rahul & Co. ALSO READ | KL Rahul, Dean Elgar involved in war of words after Indian captain's dismissal on Day 2 of J'burg Test Thus, the veteran off-spinner R Ashwin was shocked seeing the way proceedings panned out whenever Shardul came into the attack and resulted in breakthroughs. Hence, the 35-year-old Ashwin was heard as saying in his mother tongue (i.e. in Tamil): “Yarra nee, engendhu da pudichanga unna? Nee ball potaale wicket vizhum." The rough translation of the comment is: “Who are you? Wicket falls if you just bowl." Ash being heard on the stump pic after Thakur's 4th wicket: "Yarra nee, engendhu da pudichanga unna? Nee ball potaale wicket vizhum" 😂😂😂😂😂 — Srini Mama (@SriniMaama16) January 4, 2022 × ALSO READ | Updated ICC World Test Championship points table after Bangladesh upset NZ by 8 wickets to go 1-0 up After Shardul's impressve spell, former Proteas pacer Morne Morkel told on Star Sports, "South Africa absorbed the pressure and the key was to fight through the first hour, get through Shami and Bumrah, and there on you can get the scoring options. You could see Siraj was only bowling at 50 percent. The table was set for South Africa but the game changes so quickly. You can’t lose concentration for a second as Shardul Thakur came and broke open the South African top-order." Talking about the third day's play in J'burg Test, India are 188 for 6 -- leading SA by 161 runs -- after having lost Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane (58), Rishabh Pant and Ashwin in the morning session on Wednesday (January 5). Shardul and Hanuma Vihari are in the middle, at the lunch break, and will look to setup a target in excess of 220 for the home side in the second and penultimate Test.

Who are you? Wicket falls if you just bowl: Ashwin's hilarious remark for Shardul caught on stump-mic

Day 2 of the second and penultimate Test between India and South Africa was a pulsating affair with as many as 11 wickets falling during the course of the match. Shardul Thakur's seven-wicket haul dismissed SA for 229 in response to India's first innings score of 202.&nbsp;

While the day ended with India 85-2, leading by 58 runs, they lost their stand-in skipper KL Rahul for cheap (8).The Indian captain was caught in the second slip, however, the 29-year-old didn't walk back instantly and rather let the umpires take the final call. Before he started walking back being disappointed with the final decision made, Rahul seemed to have heard something about him in the Proteas dugout which didn't please him. The Indian batter said something in response as his South African counterpart Dean Elgar also exchanged some words with Rahul.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rishabh-pant-joins-ms-dhoni-in-elite-list-with-elusive-feat-in-johannesburg-test-against-south-africa-442265">Rishabh Pant joins MS Dhoni in elite list with elusive feat in Johannesburg Test against South Africa</a>

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Rahul and Elgar have an exchange. Not a pleasant one by the looks of it <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvSA</a> <a href="https://t.co/whSm16T8gv">pic.twitter.com/whSm16T8gv</a>
— Benaam Baadshah (@BenaamBaadshah4) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenaamBaadshah4/status/1478383367615885317?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/updated-icc-world-test-championship-points-table-after-bangladesh-upset-nz-by-8-wickets-to-go-1-0-up-442363">Updated ICC World Test Championship points table after Bangladesh upset NZ by 8 wickets to go 1-0 up</a>

Earlier in the day's play, SA's middle-order batter Rassie van der Dussen had walked back to the pavillion when the ball seemed to have touched the ground before the edge from his bat was&nbsp;plucked by keeper Pant during Proteas' first essay. Hence, the talks in the SA dugout could've been about the contrasting responses from Rassie and Rahul with regard to their dismissals.

Day 3 of the second Test has started with a bang, with India losing both their overnight batters Cheteshwar Pujara (53) and Ajinkya Rahane (58). The visitors will look to setup a target beyond 230 for the home side at The Wanderers, Johannesburg.&nbsp;

For the unversed, India lead the three-match Test series 1-0 courtesy their 113-run win in the series opener in Centurion.

Day 2 of the second and penultimate Test between India and South Africa was a pulsating affair with as many as 11 wickets falling during the course of the match.

Day 2 of the second and penultimate Test between India and South Africa was a pulsating affair with as many as 11 wickets falling during the course of the match. Shardul Thakur's seven-wicket haul dismissed SA for 229 in response to India's first innings score of 202. While the day ended with India 85-2, leading by 58 runs, they lost their stand-in skipper KL Rahul for cheap (8).The Indian captain was caught in the second slip, however, the 29-year-old didn't walk back instantly and rather let the umpires take the final call. Before he started walking back being disappointed with the final decision made, Rahul seemed to have heard something about him in the Proteas dugout which didn't please him. The Indian batter said something in response as his South African counterpart Dean Elgar also exchanged some words with Rahul. ALSO READ | Rishabh Pant joins MS Dhoni in elite list with elusive feat in Johannesburg Test against South Africa Rahul and Elgar have an exchange. Not a pleasant one by the looks of it #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/whSm16T8gv — Benaam Baadshah (@BenaamBaadshah4) January 4, 2022 × ALSO READ | Updated ICC World Test Championship points table after Bangladesh upset NZ by 8 wickets to go 1-0 up Earlier in the day's play, SA's middle-order batter Rassie van der Dussen had walked back to the pavillion when the ball seemed to have touched the ground before the edge from his bat was plucked by keeper Pant during Proteas' first essay. Hence, the talks in the SA dugout could've been about the contrasting responses from Rassie and Rahul with regard to their dismissals. Day 3 of the second Test has started with a bang, with India losing both their overnight batters Cheteshwar Pujara (53) and Ajinkya Rahane (58). The visitors will look to setup a target beyond 230 for the home side at The Wanderers, Johannesburg. For the unversed, India lead the three-match Test series 1-0 courtesy their 113-run win in the series opener in Centurion.

KL Rahul, Dean Elgar involved in war of words after Indian captain's dismissal on Day 2 of J'burg Test

Indian fans were in for a shock when they saw KL Rahul come out for the coin toss for the second and penultimate Test between Team India and South Africa, at The Wanderers, Johannesburg on Monday (January 3). The regular captain Virat Kohli missed out due to upper back spasm. Thus, it became the first Test that the 33-year-old Kohli missed due to injury concerns, since the Dharamshala Test versus Australia in early 2017.

With India being on the cusp of winning their first-ever Test series in South Africa, Kohli would've been gutted to warm the bench as Hanuma Vihari got a chance in his place for the second Test in J'burg. Former Indian batter-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar opened up on Kohli's omission and said he was 'absolutely shocked' to see the star batter miss out.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/r-ashwin-provides-update-on-mohammed-sirajs-injury-as-pacer-hobbles-off-the-pitch-during-2nd-test-vs-sa-442065">R Ashwin provides update on Mohammed Siraj's injury as pacer hobbles off the pitch during 2nd Test vs SA</a>

Manjrekar, speaking to&nbsp;ESPNCricinfo, admitted that all kinds of thoughts went through his head when he came to know that Kohli won't be part of the J'burg Test.

“I was absolutely shocked when I read that KL Rahul is walking out for the toss. All kinds of thoughts came over my mind. Various thoughts, but who would’ve thought that an injury to Virat Kohli because he’s one of those guys who never ever miss a Test match. And considering that India is in a great position to win and make history, it’s really unfortunate. It seems he’s really hurting. Shocking in many ways because it’s a surprise. And a batting setback as well despite his form.” Manjrekar said in the preview session.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-sa-2nd-test-rahul-joins-elite-list-comprising-virat-kohli-and-ganguly-after-50-on-captaincy-debut-442011">Ind vs SA, 2nd Test: Rahul joins elite list comprising Virat Kohli and Ganguly after 50 on captaincy debut</a>

On the other hand, Manjrekar also was thrilled to see Rahul's stocks rise in recent times due to his rich vein of form and the batter was rewarded to lead the side in Kohli's absence. In this regard, the former cricketer said, "There’s something about Test match performances. You have Rohit Sharma who had a great Test series vs ENG. Immediately after that, he became a captaincy candidate. If not for his injury, he would’ve captained this match,” he said.

“Test match performances really help the credibility of a player and KL Rahul’s performance in England and his 100 recently has contributed to his rise and stature in the team. Seen this with Rohit Sharma and now with KL Rahul. And this is all to do with the hard work that they put in, in England,” he added.

For the unversed, Rahul will also lead India in the three ODIs in South Africa, after the Test series, as limited-overs skipper Rohit has been ruled out due to hamstring issues.&nbsp;

Talking about Day 1 of the second Test, India won the toss and managed only a paltry 202 in the first innings. In reply, SA went to stumps at 35-1 as Rahul &amp; Co. have a stiff task to prevent the Proteas from dictating terms in the penultimate Test.

Indian fans were in for a shock when they saw KL Rahul come out for the coin toss for the second and penultimate Test between Team India and South Africa, at The Wanderers, Johannesburg on Monday (January 3).

Indian fans were in for a shock when they saw KL Rahul come out for the coin toss for the second and penultimate Test between Team India and South Africa, at The Wanderers, Johannesburg on Monday (January 3). The regular captain Virat Kohli missed out due to upper back spasm. Thus, it became the first Test that the 33-year-old Kohli missed due to injury concerns, since the Dharamshala Test versus Australia in early 2017. With India being on the cusp of winning their first-ever Test series in South Africa, Kohli would've been gutted to warm the bench as Hanuma Vihari got a chance in his place for the second Test in J'burg. Former Indian batter-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar opened up on Kohli's omission and said he was 'absolutely shocked' to see the star batter miss out. ALSO READ | R Ashwin provides update on Mohammed Siraj's injury as pacer hobbles off the pitch during 2nd Test vs SA Manjrekar, speaking to ESPNCricinfo, admitted that all kinds of thoughts went through his head when he came to know that Kohli won't be part of the J'burg Test. “I was absolutely shocked when I read that KL Rahul is walking out for the toss. All kinds of thoughts came over my mind. Various thoughts, but who would’ve thought that an injury to Virat Kohli because he’s one of those guys who never ever miss a Test match. And considering that India is in a great position to win and make history, it’s really unfortunate. It seems he’s really hurting. Shocking in many ways because it’s a surprise. And a batting setback as well despite his form.” Manjrekar said in the preview session. ALSO READ | Ind vs SA, 2nd Test: Rahul joins elite list comprising Virat Kohli and Ganguly after 50 on captaincy debut On the other hand, Manjrekar also was thrilled to see Rahul's stocks rise in recent times due to his rich vein of form and the batter was rewarded to lead the side in Kohli's absence. In this regard, the former cricketer said, "There’s something about Test match performances. You have Rohit Sharma who had a great Test series vs ENG. Immediately after that, he became a captaincy candidate. If not for his injury, he would’ve captained this match,” he said. “Test match performances really help the credibility of a player and KL Rahul’s performance in England and his 100 recently has contributed to his rise and stature in the team. Seen this with Rohit Sharma and now with KL Rahul. And this is all to do with the hard work that they put in, in England,” he added. For the unversed, Rahul will also lead India in the three ODIs in South Africa, after the Test series, as limited-overs skipper Rohit has been ruled out due to hamstring issues. Talking about Day 1 of the second Test, India won the toss and managed only a paltry 202 in the first innings. In reply, SA went to stumps at 35-1 as Rahul & Co. have a stiff task to prevent the Proteas from dictating terms in the penultimate Test.

'All kinds of thoughts...': Manjrekar on Kohli's absence, says 'was absolutely shocked' to see him miss out

The second and penultimate Test between India and South Africa, at The Wanderers, Johannesburg, has been a pulsating affair so far. After winning the toss, the KL Rahul-led Indian team managed only a paltry 202 in 63.1 overs. In reply, SA started the second day's play at 35-1 before being all-out for 229 courtesy Shardul Thakur's splendid 7 for 61. Hence, the match is expected to go down the wire with the series scoreline currently in India's favour (1-0).

For the unversed, India are without regular captain Virat Kohli (due to upper back spasm) whereas the senior pros Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane have continued to under-perform with the bat in the J'burg Test. The duo managed only 3 runs among themselves in the first essay as the pressure is riding on their shoulders to hold onto their respective Test slots. Nonetheless, despite no Kohli and hardly any contribution from Rahane and Pujara so far in the contest, the KL Rahul-led side remain in contest after conceding a lead of only 27 runs to the Proteas. This has been the case for India in the recent past as they have&nbsp;continued to perform in all cylinders in the purest format despite their big guns not being at their best.

In this regard, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan pointed out being surprised with India's good returns in red-ball format while slamming&nbsp;Pujara and Rahane for being far from their best.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/self-confidence-willing-to-accept-responsibilities-ex-ind-bowling-consultant-mentions-sharduls-qualities-442222">Self-confidence, willing to accept responsibilities: Ex-IND bowling consultant mentions Shardul's qualities</a>

Irfan slammed Pujara and Rahane and told on Star Sports, "These two, we are talking about senior players here, they have played more than 60 Test matches and when you have played that amount of Test cricket for India, you need to average more than 40. And if you look at their averages in the last 3 years, it has been under 30 and that is highly disappointing."

“Ajinkya Rahane showed a lot of intent with the way he played in the first innings. His footwork was decisive and he looked positive. But here (in Johannesburg), both of them were disappointing,” he added.

Pathan asserted, "Surprising that India is still doing well despite Virat Kohli not scoring runs, Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara in the same boat." He has cautioned Rahane and Pujara to start scoring as many batters are waiting in the pipeline. “They need to start performing consistently because guys are waiting in the wings."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-sa-r-ashwin-watches-on-as-jasprit-bumrah-copies-off-spinners-action-during-jburg-test-watch-442208">Ind vs SA: R Ashwin watches on as Jasprit Bumrah copies off-spinner's action during J'burg Test - WATCH</a>

To back Pathan's claims, India have done exceedingly well in Tests in the recent past without their big guns coming to the party. India won the Australia Tests, Down Under, without Virat Kohli (winning the series finale without R Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, etc.). Pujara and Rahane under-performed even in the England Tests, in the United Kingdom in mid-2021, but India gained an unassailable 2-1 lead in the incomplete series.

While the recent performances have been very good for the national side in Tests, the team would want their big names such as Kohli, Pujara and Rahane to also start scoring in full flow in the near future.&nbsp;

The second and penultimate Test between India and South Africa, at The Wanderers, Johannesburg, has been a pulsating affair so far. After winning the toss, the KL Rahul-led Indian team managed only a paltry 202 in 63.

The second and penultimate Test between India and South Africa, at The Wanderers, Johannesburg, has been a pulsating affair so far. After winning the toss, the KL Rahul-led Indian team managed only a paltry 202 in 63.1 overs. In reply, SA started the second day's play at 35-1 before being all-out for 229 courtesy Shardul Thakur's splendid 7 for 61. Hence, the match is expected to go down the wire with the series scoreline currently in India's favour (1-0). For the unversed, India are without regular captain Virat Kohli (due to upper back spasm) whereas the senior pros Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane have continued to under-perform with the bat in the J'burg Test. The duo managed only 3 runs among themselves in the first essay as the pressure is riding on their shoulders to hold onto their respective Test slots. Nonetheless, despite no Kohli and hardly any contribution from Rahane and Pujara so far in the contest, the KL Rahul-led side remain in contest after conceding a lead of only 27 runs to the Proteas. This has been the case for India in the recent past as they have continued to perform in all cylinders in the purest format despite their big guns not being at their best. In this regard, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan pointed out being surprised with India's good returns in red-ball format while slamming Pujara and Rahane for being far from their best. ALSO READ | Self-confidence, willing to accept responsibilities: Ex-IND bowling consultant mentions Shardul's qualities Irfan slammed Pujara and Rahane and told on Star Sports, "These two, we are talking about senior players here, they have played more than 60 Test matches and when you have played that amount of Test cricket for India, you need to average more than 40. And if you look at their averages in the last 3 years, it has been under 30 and that is highly disappointing." “Ajinkya Rahane showed a lot of intent with the way he played in the first innings. His footwork was decisive and he looked positive. But here (in Johannesburg), both of them were disappointing,” he added. Pathan asserted, "Surprising that India is still doing well despite Virat Kohli not scoring runs, Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara in the same boat." He has cautioned Rahane and Pujara to start scoring as many batters are waiting in the pipeline. “They need to start performing consistently because guys are waiting in the wings." ALSO READ | Ind vs SA: R Ashwin watches on as Jasprit Bumrah copies off-spinner's action during J'burg Test - WATCH To back Pathan's claims, India have done exceedingly well in Tests in the recent past without their big guns coming to the party. India won the Australia Tests, Down Under, without Virat Kohli (winning the series finale without R Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja, etc.). Pujara and Rahane under-performed even in the England Tests, in the United Kingdom in mid-2021, but India gained an unassailable 2-1 lead in the incomplete series. While the recent performances have been very good for the national side in Tests, the team would want their big names such as Kohli, Pujara and Rahane to also start scoring in full flow in the near future.

Surprising that India is still doing well despite Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane and Pujara's barren run: Pathan

Day 2 of the second and penultimate Test between India and South Africa has been a pulsating affair, so far, at The Wanderers, Johannesburg. With India's bowling attack comprising a not-completely fit Mohammed Siraj, the KL Rahul-led visitors had a stiff task to prevent South Africa from dictating terms after being all-out for 202 in the opening day's play.

The day started with Dean Elgar-led South Africa being 35-1, trailing India's total by 167 runs. While the pressure was maintained by Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah, all-rounder Shardul Thakur made the headlines with an astonishing performance, returning with 7 for 61 as Proteas were dismissed for 229 in the second innings of the contest. With this, the hosts lead India by 27 runs.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-sa-r-ashwin-watches-on-as-jasprit-bumrah-copies-off-spinners-action-during-jburg-test-watch-442208">Ind vs SA: R Ashwin watches on as Jasprit Bumrah copies off-spinner's action during J'burg Test - WATCH</a>

Seeing Shardul's impressive spell with the red cherry, former Indian bowling consultant Eric Simmons lauded Lord Shardul and said that his body language and willingness to step up for the team stands out.

"The comments by Simons came during the Lunch break show on&nbsp;Super Sport (at that time, Shardul had accounted for all the three scalps in the morning session's play).&nbsp;“He is the less illustrious of the quartet. As a person I've spoken a lot about in terms of his own self confidence but also his willingness to accept responsibilities,” said Simons.&nbsp;

“I wondered what was going to happen today with Siraj being injured. He did bowl a few but not with the same venom. He (Thakur) didn't bowl any better than the chaps upfront but he got the reward and this is the kind of personality we see in him,” he added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/its-lord-shardul-thakur-vs-south-africa-twitter-erupts-as-indian-pacer-bags-fifer-in-johannesburg-test-442215">'It's Lord Shardul Thakur vs South Africa': Twitter erupts as Indian pacer bags fifer in Johannesburg Test</a>

Simmons further asserted, "Why he is part of the team, why is he such a popular member, whether it is with his bat, he's won you in Australia and England. Coming in at tough situations, he got the wicket but he actually bowled really well to get those wickets, understood the surface. Bit short initially but got fuller and found the edges. So this is the personality is exactly what I expected, take responsibility when your team needed you the most."&nbsp;

In his brief career in whites, Shardul has contributed in crunch situations for Team India. His fifty and four-wicket haul in the Gabba Test and twin half-centuries and vital scalps in India's Oval Test victory are some of the prime examples. His seven-fer has kept India in the contest in the second Test&nbsp;as Rahul &amp; Co. will now look to setup a decent score on a tough batting surface at The Wanderers, J'burg.

Day 2 of the second and penultimate Test between India and South Africa has been a pulsating affair, so far, at The Wanderers, Johannesburg. With India's bowling attack comprising a not-completely fit Mohammed Siraj, the KL Rahul-led visitors had a stiff task to prevent South Africa from dictating terms after being all-out for 202 in the opening day's play.

Day 2 of the second and penultimate Test between India and South Africa has been a pulsating affair, so far, at The Wanderers, Johannesburg. With India's bowling attack comprising a not-completely fit Mohammed Siraj, the KL Rahul-led visitors had a stiff task to prevent South Africa from dictating terms after being all-out for 202 in the opening day's play. The day started with Dean Elgar-led South Africa being 35-1, trailing India's total by 167 runs. While the pressure was maintained by Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah, all-rounder Shardul Thakur made the headlines with an astonishing performance, returning with 7 for 61 as Proteas were dismissed for 229 in the second innings of the contest. With this, the hosts lead India by 27 runs. ALSO READ | Ind vs SA: R Ashwin watches on as Jasprit Bumrah copies off-spinner's action during J'burg Test - WATCH Seeing Shardul's impressive spell with the red cherry, former Indian bowling consultant Eric Simmons lauded Lord Shardul and said that his body language and willingness to step up for the team stands out. "The comments by Simons came during the Lunch break show on Super Sport (at that time, Shardul had accounted for all the three scalps in the morning session's play). “He is the less illustrious of the quartet. As a person I've spoken a lot about in terms of his own self confidence but also his willingness to accept responsibilities,” said Simons. “I wondered what was going to happen today with Siraj being injured. He did bowl a few but not with the same venom. He (Thakur) didn't bowl any better than the chaps upfront but he got the reward and this is the kind of personality we see in him,” he added. ALSO READ | 'It's Lord Shardul Thakur vs South Africa': Twitter erupts as Indian pacer bags fifer in Johannesburg Test Simmons further asserted, "Why he is part of the team, why is he such a popular member, whether it is with his bat, he's won you in Australia and England. Coming in at tough situations, he got the wicket but he actually bowled really well to get those wickets, understood the surface. Bit short initially but got fuller and found the edges. So this is the personality is exactly what I expected, take responsibility when your team needed you the most." In his brief career in whites, Shardul has contributed in crunch situations for Team India. His fifty and four-wicket haul in the Gabba Test and twin half-centuries and vital scalps in India's Oval Test victory are some of the prime examples. His seven-fer has kept India in the contest in the second Test as Rahul & Co. will now look to setup a decent score on a tough batting surface at The Wanderers, J'burg.

Self-confidence, willing to accept responsibilities: Ex-IND bowling consultant mentions Shardul's qualities

KL Rahul-led Team India had a herculean task to stop the Dean Elgar-led South Africa from taking a whopping lead on the second day's play, after the visitors fell for 202 on Day 1 of the Johannesburg Test on Monday (January 3). Before the start of the day's play on Tuesday (January 4), the ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah replicated R Ashwin's bowling action.

Just when the visitors were warming up before taking the field for the second day's play, the 28-year-old speedster -- who had earlier impersonated Ravindra Jadeja's bowling action in the nets during 2021 T20 World Cup -- copied Ashwin's bowling action perfectly. The 35-year-old Ashwin, on the other hand, took note of Bumrah's antics and chuckled seeing his action being imitated to perfection.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/throwback-when-dhoni-drove-the-team-bus-after-succeeding-kumble-to-become-indias-all-format-captain-442195">THROWBACK: When Dhoni drove the team bus after succeeding Kumble to become India's all-format captain</a>

Here's the video of Bumrah's replication and Ashwin's unmissable reaction:

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Make Bumrah bowl off-spin and SA won't realise that it's not Ashwin they're facing <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvSA</a> <a href="https://t.co/NnYY8jP9oU">pic.twitter.com/NnYY8jP9oU</a>
— Benaam Baadshah (@BenaamBaadshah4) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenaamBaadshah4/status/1478282615283015682?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Even Ashwin wouldn't help but chuckle. Hahah, too good <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvSA</a> <a href="https://t.co/fB6bRRMFOk">pic.twitter.com/fB6bRRMFOk</a>
— Benaam Baadshah (@BenaamBaadshah4) <a href="https://twitter.com/BenaamBaadshah4/status/1478282755007926273?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/out-or-not-out-rassie-van-der-dussens-dismissal-in-2nd-test-against-india-sparks-controversy-watch-442197">Out or not out? Rassie van der Dussen's dismissal in 2nd Test against India sparks controversy - WATCH</a>

Talking about the state of the match, India went to the tea break with SA reeling at 191-7, being 11 runs behind India's tally (202), on Day 2 of the penultimate encounter at The Wanderers, Johannesburg. Shardul Thakur's maiden five-fer removed the Proteas' top and middle-order as the contest remains in the balance.&nbsp;

For the unversed, India lead the three-match Test series 1-0 after the 113-run win in the Centurion tie.

KL Rahul-led Team India had a herculean task to stop the Dean Elgar-led South Africa from taking a whopping lead on the second day's play, after the visitors fell for 202 on Day 1 of the Johannesburg Test on Monday (January 3).

KL Rahul-led Team India had a herculean task to stop the Dean Elgar-led South Africa from taking a whopping lead on the second day's play, after the visitors fell for 202 on Day 1 of the Johannesburg Test on Monday (January 3). Before the start of the day's play on Tuesday (January 4), the ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah replicated R Ashwin's bowling action. Just when the visitors were warming up before taking the field for the second day's play, the 28-year-old speedster -- who had earlier impersonated Ravindra Jadeja's bowling action in the nets during 2021 T20 World Cup -- copied Ashwin's bowling action perfectly. The 35-year-old Ashwin, on the other hand, took note of Bumrah's antics and chuckled seeing his action being imitated to perfection. ALSO READ | THROWBACK: When Dhoni drove the team bus after succeeding Kumble to become India's all-format captain Here's the video of Bumrah's replication and Ashwin's unmissable reaction: Make Bumrah bowl off-spin and SA won't realise that it's not Ashwin they're facing #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/NnYY8jP9oU — Benaam Baadshah (@BenaamBaadshah4) January 4, 2022 × Even Ashwin wouldn't help but chuckle. Hahah, too good #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/fB6bRRMFOk — Benaam Baadshah (@BenaamBaadshah4) January 4, 2022 × ALSO READ | Out or not out? Rassie van der Dussen's dismissal in 2nd Test against India sparks controversy - WATCH Talking about the state of the match, India went to the tea break with SA reeling at 191-7, being 11 runs behind India's tally (202), on Day 2 of the penultimate encounter at The Wanderers, Johannesburg. Shardul Thakur's maiden five-fer removed the Proteas' top and middle-order as the contest remains in the balance. For the unversed, India lead the three-match Test series 1-0 after the 113-run win in the Centurion tie.

Ind vs SA: R Ashwin watches on as Jasprit Bumrah copies off-spinner's action during J'burg Test - WATCH

Former Indian opener-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra has opened up on Test captain Virat Kohli's mode of dismissals in recent times. For the unversed, the 33-year-old Indian batter hasn't been able to score an international ton since late 2019 and averages only 26.08 in Tests since early 2020.&nbsp;

Hence, Chopra opened up on Kohli's failures, who is out of the ongoing second Test between India and South Africa at The Wanderers, Johannesburg. The 33-year-old Kohli didn't impress even in the series opener of the three-match Tests versus SA, returning with scores of 35 and 18. In addition, his dismissals were identical by flashing away from the off-stump line.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kohli-has-similar-numbers-but-people-arent-questioning-him-nehra-reacts-to-criticism-of-rahane-and-pujara-442162">Kohli has similar numbers but people aren't questioning him: Nehra reacts to criticism of Rahane and Pujara</a>

Thus, Chopra said&nbsp;on the Byju's Cricket Live Show on Star Sports on Day 1 of the J'burg Test on Monday (January 3), "Kohli can show a bit more patience. Remember the new year's Test match, Sydney 2004 when Sachin Tendulkar was getting out driving and then he didn't play a single drive. I'm not saying go down that road because Sachin had more shots as compared to Virat but then, this is the recipe."

"I don't think Kohli has too much of an issue playing the bouncers. It's just about knowing where your off-stump is. Trusting the bounce a little more so you can leave the ball a little more. It doesn't necessarily have to be on line. You don't even need to misread the line; you're not going to get bowled because the ball will be going over the stumps," added Chopra.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/one-of-the-two-have-to-karthik-makes-bold-claim-predicts-who-could-miss-out-on-virat-kohlis-return-442147">'One of the two have to...' - Karthik makes bold claim, predicts who could miss out on Virat Kohli's return</a>

Kohli will be eager to return to full fitness and play the third and final Test against the Dean Elgar-led Proteas. He will also like to start 2022 with a bang by breaking is century-drought.&nbsp;

Former Indian opener-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra has opened up on Test captain Virat Kohli's mode of dismissals in recent times. For the unversed, the 33-year-old Indian batter hasn't been able to score an international ton since late 2019 and averages only 26.

Former Indian opener-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra has opened up on Test captain Virat Kohli's mode of dismissals in recent times. For the unversed, the 33-year-old Indian batter hasn't been able to score an international ton since late 2019 and averages only 26.08 in Tests since early 2020. Hence, Chopra opened up on Kohli's failures, who is out of the ongoing second Test between India and South Africa at The Wanderers, Johannesburg. The 33-year-old Kohli didn't impress even in the series opener of the three-match Tests versus SA, returning with scores of 35 and 18. In addition, his dismissals were identical by flashing away from the off-stump line. ALSO READ | Kohli has similar numbers but people aren't questioning him: Nehra reacts to criticism of Rahane and Pujara Thus, Chopra said on the Byju's Cricket Live Show on Star Sports on Day 1 of the J'burg Test on Monday (January 3), "Kohli can show a bit more patience. Remember the new year's Test match, Sydney 2004 when Sachin Tendulkar was getting out driving and then he didn't play a single drive. I'm not saying go down that road because Sachin had more shots as compared to Virat but then, this is the recipe." "I don't think Kohli has too much of an issue playing the bouncers. It's just about knowing where your off-stump is. Trusting the bounce a little more so you can leave the ball a little more. It doesn't necessarily have to be on line. You don't even need to misread the line; you're not going to get bowled because the ball will be going over the stumps," added Chopra. ALSO READ | 'One of the two have to...' - Karthik makes bold claim, predicts who could miss out on Virat Kohli's return Kohli will be eager to return to full fitness and play the third and final Test against the Dean Elgar-led Proteas. He will also like to start 2022 with a bang by breaking is century-drought.

SRT had more shots as compared to Kohli: Aakash Chopra weighs-in on Indian Test captain's dismissals

A lot has been said and written about the struggles of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane. The two Test specialists have been under-performing with the bat for quite some time and their low scores in the ongoing second Test's first innings has intensified the talks for the duo's&nbsp;omissions.

Former Indian pacer Ashish Nehra, however, feels the two senior batters need to be persisted with for the entire three-match Test series versus South Africa. Nehra further pointed out that even someone of a stature of Virat Kohli hasn't done well with the bat. Kohli averages 26.08 in Tests since early 2020 whereas the average of likes of Rahane and Pujara also hovers around 25 during the same period.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/one-of-the-two-have-to-karthik-makes-bold-claim-predicts-who-could-miss-out-on-virat-kohlis-return-442147">'One of the two have to...' - Karthik makes bold claim, predicts who could miss out on Virat Kohli's return</a>

"Even Virat Kohli has similar numbers but people are not questioning his place in the team. Obviously, he is the captain and what Kohli has done is on a completely different level from the two batters we are talking about. It is not fair to compare, but Rahane and Pujara have also been second to none at their peak, especially the latter,” Nehra told&nbsp;Cricbuzz.

Nehra further added, "If you have backed a player like Rahane for the 1st Test, it would be better to carry on with him for the rest of the series. Obviously, Rahane was the one who was out (officially due to injury) when Kohli came back for the second Test against New Zealand, though he led the team in the first.

"Agreed, both Pujara and Rahane have been in big trouble of late. But changing players in the middle of an important series is a big decision," he asserted further.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/all-kinds-of-thoughts-manjrekar-on-kohlis-absence-says-was-absolutely-shocked-to-see-him-miss-out-442120">'All kinds of thoughts...': Manjrekar on Kohli's absence, says 'was absolutely shocked' to see him miss out</a>

For the unversed, Rahane has scored only two half-centuries following his last Test ton in the MCG Test in late 2020. On the other hand, Pujara's last hundred came in early 2019 and, hence, both the cricketers are running against time to hold onto their respective spots in whites.

Needless to say, both Rahane and Pujara will have to score big in India's second innings of the ongoing J'burg Test or will soon perish from the Test line-up.

A lot has been said and written about the struggles of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane. The two Test specialists have been under-performing with the bat for quite some time and their low scores in the ongoing second Test's first innings has intensified the talks for the duo's omissions.

A lot has been said and written about the struggles of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane. The two Test specialists have been under-performing with the bat for quite some time and their low scores in the ongoing second Test's first innings has intensified the talks for the duo's omissions. Former Indian pacer Ashish Nehra, however, feels the two senior batters need to be persisted with for the entire three-match Test series versus South Africa. Nehra further pointed out that even someone of a stature of Virat Kohli hasn't done well with the bat. Kohli averages 26.08 in Tests since early 2020 whereas the average of likes of Rahane and Pujara also hovers around 25 during the same period. ALSO READ | 'One of the two have to...' - Karthik makes bold claim, predicts who could miss out on Virat Kohli's return "Even Virat Kohli has similar numbers but people are not questioning his place in the team. Obviously, he is the captain and what Kohli has done is on a completely different level from the two batters we are talking about. It is not fair to compare, but Rahane and Pujara have also been second to none at their peak, especially the latter,” Nehra told Cricbuzz. Nehra further added, "If you have backed a player like Rahane for the 1st Test, it would be better to carry on with him for the rest of the series. Obviously, Rahane was the one who was out (officially due to injury) when Kohli came back for the second Test against New Zealand, though he led the team in the first. "Agreed, both Pujara and Rahane have been in big trouble of late. But changing players in the middle of an important series is a big decision," he asserted further. ALSO READ | 'All kinds of thoughts...': Manjrekar on Kohli's absence, says 'was absolutely shocked' to see him miss out For the unversed, Rahane has scored only two half-centuries following his last Test ton in the MCG Test in late 2020. On the other hand, Pujara's last hundred came in early 2019 and, hence, both the cricketers are running against time to hold onto their respective spots in whites. Needless to say, both Rahane and Pujara will have to score big in India's second innings of the ongoing J'burg Test or will soon perish from the Test line-up.

Kohli has similar numbers but people aren't questioning him: Nehra reacts to criticism of Rahane and Pujara

Virat Kohli didn't walk out for the toss in the opening day of the second Test between India and South Africa at The Wanderers, Johannesburg. In his absence, KL Rahul is leading the side, who will also captain the Men in Blue in the upcoming three ODIs versus the Proteas.

In Kohli's absence, Rahul-led India won the toss and opted to bat first in Johannesburg on Monday (January 3). Barring Rahul's 50 and R Ashwin's 46, Indian batters didn't impress as they fell like nine pins and the visitors managed only a paltry 202 in 63.1 overs. The under-pressure senior pros Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane once again failed to impress as the duo managed only 3 runs among themselves. Pujara fell for 3 whereas Rahane returned with a golden duck. Hence, veteran Indian keeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik has made a bold claim and stated that one of the two -- among Rahane and Pujara -- can make way for Kohli for the third and final Test.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/all-kinds-of-thoughts-manjrekar-on-kohlis-absence-says-was-absolutely-shocked-to-see-him-miss-out-442120">'All kinds of thoughts...': Manjrekar on Kohli's absence, says 'was absolutely shocked' to see him miss out</a>

"At No. 3, in inarguably the world's best cricket team, to find a spot there for three years and not score a hundred - he (Pujara) will know he's got a long, long rope. To a large extent they are playing because of the potential they have, and the performances they have shown, and obviously, they are senior statesmen [in the team] as well. But the long rope they have been given is slowly burning out and you are coming to the end of it. I am very, very sure that they are both aware of it. Also, we have got to see the potential of the players at the back, they have done as well. Now if Virat Kohli returns, you get a feeling that one of the two has to give way," Karthik said on Cricbuzz.

For the unversed, Pujara's last Test ton came in early 2019 whereas Rahane has managed only a handful of half-centuries post his Melbourne Test hundred in the 2020/21 Boxing Day Test versus Australia.

Karthik further added, "When Rahul Dravid was at the fag end of his career, it was actually Pujara who came in and did well at that No. 3 spot, put pressure on him to eventually take his spot... Obviously, that circle comes around... I do think Rahul Dravid will have to make a couple of harsh decisions and if that means dropping one or both of them, he'll be open to it because he knows that they have been given a long rope before... You don't want to set the ground ablaze by making the big decisions right at the outset so I think he's waiting and trying to assess what he can contribute to their careers and if it's not meant to be, it's not meant to be."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/r-ashwin-provides-update-on-mohammed-sirajs-injury-as-pacer-hobbles-off-the-pitch-during-2nd-test-vs-sa-442065">R Ashwin provides update on Mohammed Siraj's injury as pacer hobbles off the pitch during 2nd Test vs SA</a>

With Pujara and Rahane not performing well, India have more options in the form of Shreyas Iyer and Hanuma Vihari (who is part of the J'burg Test). India's second innings in the penultimate Test will surely be a litmus test for Pujara and Rahane as they are running against time to hold onto their respective spots in the Test line-up.

Virat Kohli didn't walk out for the toss in the opening day of the second Test between India and South Africa at The Wanderers, Johannesburg. In his absence, KL Rahul is leading the side, who will also captain the Men in Blue in the upcoming three ODIs versus the Proteas.

Virat Kohli didn't walk out for the toss in the opening day of the second Test between India and South Africa at The Wanderers, Johannesburg. In his absence, KL Rahul is leading the side, who will also captain the Men in Blue in the upcoming three ODIs versus the Proteas. In Kohli's absence, Rahul-led India won the toss and opted to bat first in Johannesburg on Monday (January 3). Barring Rahul's 50 and R Ashwin's 46, Indian batters didn't impress as they fell like nine pins and the visitors managed only a paltry 202 in 63.1 overs. The under-pressure senior pros Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane once again failed to impress as the duo managed only 3 runs among themselves. Pujara fell for 3 whereas Rahane returned with a golden duck. Hence, veteran Indian keeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik has made a bold claim and stated that one of the two -- among Rahane and Pujara -- can make way for Kohli for the third and final Test. ALSO READ | 'All kinds of thoughts...': Manjrekar on Kohli's absence, says 'was absolutely shocked' to see him miss out "At No. 3, in inarguably the world's best cricket team, to find a spot there for three years and not score a hundred - he (Pujara) will know he's got a long, long rope. To a large extent they are playing because of the potential they have, and the performances they have shown, and obviously, they are senior statesmen [in the team] as well. But the long rope they have been given is slowly burning out and you are coming to the end of it. I am very, very sure that they are both aware of it. Also, we have got to see the potential of the players at the back, they have done as well. Now if Virat Kohli returns, you get a feeling that one of the two has to give way," Karthik said on Cricbuzz. For the unversed, Pujara's last Test ton came in early 2019 whereas Rahane has managed only a handful of half-centuries post his Melbourne Test hundred in the 2020/21 Boxing Day Test versus Australia. Karthik further added, "When Rahul Dravid was at the fag end of his career, it was actually Pujara who came in and did well at that No. 3 spot, put pressure on him to eventually take his spot... Obviously, that circle comes around... I do think Rahul Dravid will have to make a couple of harsh decisions and if that means dropping one or both of them, he'll be open to it because he knows that they have been given a long rope before... You don't want to set the ground ablaze by making the big decisions right at the outset so I think he's waiting and trying to assess what he can contribute to their careers and if it's not meant to be, it's not meant to be." ALSO READ | R Ashwin provides update on Mohammed Siraj's injury as pacer hobbles off the pitch during 2nd Test vs SA With Pujara and Rahane not performing well, India have more options in the form of Shreyas Iyer and Hanuma Vihari (who is part of the J'burg Test). India's second innings in the penultimate Test will surely be a litmus test for Pujara and Rahane as they are running against time to hold onto their respective spots in the Test line-up.

'One of the two have to...' - Karthik makes bold claim, predicts who could miss out on Virat Kohli's return

On Monday (January 3), Indian cricket loyalists were in for a shock when they saw KL Rahul walk out for the coin toss for the second Test between India and South Africa, at The Wanderers, Johannesburg. Regular captain Virat Kohli -- who was set to appear in his 99th Test -- missed out due to upper back spasm and Rahul (who was promoted as the vice-captain in Rohit Sharma's absence for the series) took charge of the side.

Winning the toss, Rahul-led India opted to bat first at The Wanderers, J'burg. While the national side started well, at 36 for no loss, they were soon reduced to 49-3. From thereon, it was hardwork for in-form opener Rahul to get to his 13th half-century amid regular fall of wickets. Rahul eventually fell to Marco Jansen's well-executed short-pitched delivery for a well-made 133-ball 50.

Courtesy his knock, the 29-year-old Rahul entered an elite list -- featuring the likes of Kohli, Sunil Gavaskar, Sourav Ganguly, etc. -- to have scored 50 or more runs on captaincy debut. For the unversed,&nbsp;Vijay Hazare, who scored an unbeaten 164 in 1951, tops the list, followed by Sunil Gavaskar (116 runs) and Virat Kohli (115) on the second and third position respectively.&nbsp;Sourav Ganguly (84 runs), Chandu Borde (69), Hemu Adhikari (63) and Nari Contractor are also part of this unique club.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/test-without-him-is-soulless-twitterati-reacts-as-virat-kohli-misses-india-vs-sa-2nd-test-in-jburg-441948">'Test without him is soulless' - Twitterati reacts as Virat Kohli misses India vs SA 2nd Test in J'burg</a>

Meanwhile, Rahul became the fifth Indian captain to surpass the 50-run mark while opening the innings. Little Master Gavaskar (25 times), Contractor (4 times), current head coach Rahul Dravid (2) and Virender Sehwag (2) are also part of the elusive panel.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/this-is-the-type-of-person-you-want-ex-pak-skipper-all-praise-for-rahul-dravid-for-backing-virat-kohli-441979">'This is the type of person you want...': Ex-Pak skipper all praise for Rahul Dravid for backing Virat Kohli</a>

Following Rahul's 50, Ashwin's 46 and some contributions from Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant and vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah took the team total to 202 all-out in the final session on Day 1 of the second Test.&nbsp;

On Monday (January 3), Indian cricket loyalists were in for a shock when they saw KL Rahul walk out for the coin toss for the second Test between India and South Africa, at The Wanderers, Johannesburg.

On Monday (January 3), Indian cricket loyalists were in for a shock when they saw KL Rahul walk out for the coin toss for the second Test between India and South Africa, at The Wanderers, Johannesburg. Regular captain Virat Kohli -- who was set to appear in his 99th Test -- missed out due to upper back spasm and Rahul (who was promoted as the vice-captain in Rohit Sharma's absence for the series) took charge of the side. Winning the toss, Rahul-led India opted to bat first at The Wanderers, J'burg. While the national side started well, at 36 for no loss, they were soon reduced to 49-3. From thereon, it was hardwork for in-form opener Rahul to get to his 13th half-century amid regular fall of wickets. Rahul eventually fell to Marco Jansen's well-executed short-pitched delivery for a well-made 133-ball 50. Courtesy his knock, the 29-year-old Rahul entered an elite list -- featuring the likes of Kohli, Sunil Gavaskar, Sourav Ganguly, etc. -- to have scored 50 or more runs on captaincy debut. For the unversed, Vijay Hazare, who scored an unbeaten 164 in 1951, tops the list, followed by Sunil Gavaskar (116 runs) and Virat Kohli (115) on the second and third position respectively. Sourav Ganguly (84 runs), Chandu Borde (69), Hemu Adhikari (63) and Nari Contractor are also part of this unique club. ALSO READ | 'Test without him is soulless' - Twitterati reacts as Virat Kohli misses India vs SA 2nd Test in J'burg Meanwhile, Rahul became the fifth Indian captain to surpass the 50-run mark while opening the innings. Little Master Gavaskar (25 times), Contractor (4 times), current head coach Rahul Dravid (2) and Virender Sehwag (2) are also part of the elusive panel. ALSO READ | 'This is the type of person you want...': Ex-Pak skipper all praise for Rahul Dravid for backing Virat Kohli Following Rahul's 50, Ashwin's 46 and some contributions from Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant and vice-captain Jasprit Bumrah took the team total to 202 all-out in the final session on Day 1 of the second Test.

Ind vs SA, 2nd Test: Rahul joins elite list comprising Virat Kohli and Ganguly after 50 on captaincy debut

Cheteshwar Pujara's woeful run with the bat continued on Day 1 of the second and penultimate Test between India and South Africa on Monday (January 3). After stand-in captain KL Rahul won the toss and opted to bat first, India started off decently to reach 36 for no loss before they were quickly reduced to 49-3 in no time.

After Mayank Agarwal (26) was the first wicket to fall on the day, No. 3 batter Pujara was expected to grind it out in the middle with no Virat Kohli in the line-up, due to upper back spasm. However, nothing of that sort happened as the 33-year-old perished for cheap (3), falling to a well-executed short-pitched delivery from SA's pacer&nbsp;Duanne Olivier.

With another failure, Pujara is surely running against time to hold onto his Test spot. For the unversed, the right-hander's last triple-figure knock came in early 2019 versus Australia Down Under. Since then, he has had vital fifty-plus scores under his belt, however, the senior pro has failed to convert them. Moreover, Pujara has fallen to short-pitched balls or being beaten by the incoming deliveries.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/this-is-the-type-of-person-you-want-ex-pak-skipper-all-praise-for-rahul-dravid-for-backing-virat-kohli-441979">'This is the type of person you want...': Ex-Pak skipper all praise for Rahul Dravid for backing Virat Kohli</a>

Former Indian opener-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra decoded Pujara's failures in the lunch break and told on Star Sports, "He is not even hitting the half volley with full might and we can an uncanny pattern in his dismissals. He had nicked Ngidi's delivery in the first innings of the Centurion Test. If we look at his hands and the height of the delivery, why is he even trying to play off the front foot instead of using the depth of the crease."

"If you are always lunging forward with low hands, bowlers are going to enjoy bowling against you on South African pitches. Extra bounce, low hands, lunging forward… that's a recipe for disaster," he added.

To showcase Pujara's woes, he&nbsp;has now gone 45 innings without a century. Thus, former South Africa pacer Morne Morkel also spoke at length about the short ball ploy used against Pujara and said,&nbsp;"He needs to find a way to get off the strike in South Africa and have that intent to score. There is no better feeling bowler when you run in and know that the batter is not trying to take you on."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pujara-and-rahane-have-just-the-next-innings-to-save-their-test-careers-says-sunil-gavaskar-as-duo-fail-again-441970">Pujara and Rahane have just the next innings to save their Test careers, says Sunil Gavaskar as duo fail again</a>

India are without regular captain Kohli in the second Test in Johannesburg. The visitors have lost more than half the side for 150 after opting to bat first. They will hope to post anything over 220 and then challenge the Dean Elgar-led Proteas with the red cherry in hand.

Cheteshwar Pujara's woeful run with the bat continued on Day 1 of the second and penultimate Test between India and South Africa on Monday (January 3). After stand-in captain KL Rahul won the toss and opted to bat first, India started off decently to reach 36 for no loss before they were quickly reduced to 49-3 in no time.

Cheteshwar Pujara's woeful run with the bat continued on Day 1 of the second and penultimate Test between India and South Africa on Monday (January 3). After stand-in captain KL Rahul won the toss and opted to bat first, India started off decently to reach 36 for no loss before they were quickly reduced to 49-3 in no time. After Mayank Agarwal (26) was the first wicket to fall on the day, No. 3 batter Pujara was expected to grind it out in the middle with no Virat Kohli in the line-up, due to upper back spasm. However, nothing of that sort happened as the 33-year-old perished for cheap (3), falling to a well-executed short-pitched delivery from SA's pacer Duanne Olivier. With another failure, Pujara is surely running against time to hold onto his Test spot. For the unversed, the right-hander's last triple-figure knock came in early 2019 versus Australia Down Under. Since then, he has had vital fifty-plus scores under his belt, however, the senior pro has failed to convert them. Moreover, Pujara has fallen to short-pitched balls or being beaten by the incoming deliveries. ALSO READ | 'This is the type of person you want...': Ex-Pak skipper all praise for Rahul Dravid for backing Virat Kohli Former Indian opener-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra decoded Pujara's failures in the lunch break and told on Star Sports, "He is not even hitting the half volley with full might and we can an uncanny pattern in his dismissals. He had nicked Ngidi's delivery in the first innings of the Centurion Test. If we look at his hands and the height of the delivery, why is he even trying to play off the front foot instead of using the depth of the crease." "If you are always lunging forward with low hands, bowlers are going to enjoy bowling against you on South African pitches. Extra bounce, low hands, lunging forward… that's a recipe for disaster," he added. To showcase Pujara's woes, he has now gone 45 innings without a century. Thus, former South Africa pacer Morne Morkel also spoke at length about the short ball ploy used against Pujara and said, "He needs to find a way to get off the strike in South Africa and have that intent to score. There is no better feeling bowler when you run in and know that the batter is not trying to take you on." ALSO READ | Pujara and Rahane have just the next innings to save their Test careers, says Sunil Gavaskar as duo fail again India are without regular captain Kohli in the second Test in Johannesburg. The visitors have lost more than half the side for 150 after opting to bat first. They will hope to post anything over 220 and then challenge the Dean Elgar-led Proteas with the red cherry in hand.

IND vs SA, 2nd Test: Aakash Chopra points out 'uncanny pattern' to Pujara's dismissals amid his struggles

Ahead of the commencement of the second Test between India and South Africa, at The Wanderers, Johannesburg, head coach Rahul Dravid was all praise for Virat Kohli. Dravid, in a pre-match press conference on Sunday (January 2), hailed the 33-year-old Test captain's leadership and said that it is a pleasure to work with him.

In addition, Dravid played down concerns regarding Kohli's poor returns with the bat and stated that a big knock isn't far away. Thus, former Pakistan skipper Salman Butt has lauded head coach Dravid for relentlessly backing Kohli.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/test-without-him-is-soulless-twitterati-reacts-as-virat-kohli-misses-india-vs-sa-2nd-test-in-jburg-441948">'Test without him is soulless' - Twitterati reacts as Virat Kohli misses India vs SA 2nd Test in J'burg</a>

Talking on his Youtube channel, Butt said, "This is called man management. This is their real work as a coach or as a manager, what Dravid did yesterday. And despite what is going around, he hailed Kohli and backed him to score big as well. I enjoyed that."

"He is doing a superb job. So he got his team together. He did not join the discussion involving the chief selector or the chairman on whatever misunderstanding that might have happened. This is the type of person you want around your team."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-sa-2nd-test-big-blow-to-india-as-virat-kohli-out-of-playing-xi-kl-rahul-takes-charge-441906">Ind vs SA, 2nd Test: Big blow to India as Virat Kohli out of playing XI, KL Rahul takes charge</a>

Talking about the second and penultimate Test between India and the Proteas, in Johannesburg, the visitors were dealt with a huge blow as regular captain Kohli missed out on playing the match due to upper back spasm. In his absence, KL Rahul is leading the side as the national side is aiming to win their maiden Test series on South African soil.

Ahead of the commencement of the second Test between India and South Africa, at The Wanderers, Johannesburg, head coach Rahul Dravid was all praise for Virat Kohli.

Ahead of the commencement of the second Test between India and South Africa, at The Wanderers, Johannesburg, head coach Rahul Dravid was all praise for Virat Kohli. Dravid, in a pre-match press conference on Sunday (January 2), hailed the 33-year-old Test captain's leadership and said that it is a pleasure to work with him. In addition, Dravid played down concerns regarding Kohli's poor returns with the bat and stated that a big knock isn't far away. Thus, former Pakistan skipper Salman Butt has lauded head coach Dravid for relentlessly backing Kohli. ALSO READ | 'Test without him is soulless' - Twitterati reacts as Virat Kohli misses India vs SA 2nd Test in J'burg Talking on his Youtube channel, Butt said, "This is called man management. This is their real work as a coach or as a manager, what Dravid did yesterday. And despite what is going around, he hailed Kohli and backed him to score big as well. I enjoyed that." "He is doing a superb job. So he got his team together. He did not join the discussion involving the chief selector or the chairman on whatever misunderstanding that might have happened. This is the type of person you want around your team." ALSO READ | Ind vs SA, 2nd Test: Big blow to India as Virat Kohli out of playing XI, KL Rahul takes charge Talking about the second and penultimate Test between India and the Proteas, in Johannesburg, the visitors were dealt with a huge blow as regular captain Kohli missed out on playing the match due to upper back spasm. In his absence, KL Rahul is leading the side as the national side is aiming to win their maiden Test series on South African soil.

'This is the type of person you want...': Ex-Pak skipper all praise for Rahul Dravid for backing Virat Kohli

India were dealt with a huge blow ahead of the start of the second Test versus South Africa on Monday (January 3). Regular captain Virat Kohli got ruled out of the second and penultimate tie due to upper back spasm, with KL Rahul captaining the national side in the ongoing Test at The Wanderers, Johannesburg.&nbsp;

At the coin toss, stand-in captain Rahul told the broadcasters, "Unfortunately Virat has had an upper back spasm, the physios are working on him and hopefully he'll recover for the next Test. It is every Indian player's dream to captain his country. Really honoured and looking forward to this challenge. We have had a few good wins here and hopefully we'll look to continue that.&nbsp;Hanuma Vihari comes in place of Virat. Just the one change. It was a good Test at Centurion overall. We really performed well as a team and are really excited about this match."

In Kohli's absence, India will be eager to win the second Test -- after the impressive 113-run victory in the Centurion tie -- and claim their first-ever series triumph on South African soil. India's playing XI for the J'burg Test is as follows:

KL Rahul(c), Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravichandran Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-sa-2nd-test-big-blow-to-india-as-virat-kohli-out-of-playing-xi-kl-rahul-takes-charge-441906">Ind vs SA, 2nd Test: Big blow to India as Virat Kohli out of playing XI, KL Rahul takes charge</a>

Here's how Twitterati reacted to Kohli's absence from the second Test:

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If Virat isn't playing in this test then nobody's gonna watch it. Test match without Virat is soulless. <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BCCI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Virat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Virat</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsSA</a>
— Bobby Tanwar (@bobby_tanwar) <a href="https://twitter.com/bobby_tanwar/status/1477911616033148928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Why kohli not there 👀<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsSA</a>
— ᴍ ᴀ ɴ ɪ ᴄ ᴋ ᴬᴷ (@Manick_twts) <a href="https://twitter.com/Manick_twts/status/1477921300337201153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Back spasm rules out Captain Kohli from the 2nd Test. Drop a ❤️ to wish King a speedy recovery! 🙌🏻🙌🏻 
 
Hope to see you on the field for the 3rd Test Skip! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayBold?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayBold</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/OzKfUZXex6">pic.twitter.com/OzKfUZXex6</a>
— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) <a href="https://twitter.com/RCBTweets/status/1477909720618835970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Injured in just 17 hrs ? 🤔<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ViratKohli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ViratKohli</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAvsInd?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAvsInd</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsSA</a> <a href="https://t.co/JeK0bjPwOM">https://t.co/JeK0bjPwOM</a>
— Shalav Kela (@shalavkela) <a href="https://twitter.com/shalavkela/status/1477906982178897920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-head-coach-rahul-dravid-reveals-when-virat-kohli-will-come-before-media-441849">India's head coach Rahul Dravid reveals when Virat Kohli will come before media</a>

For the unversed, the 33-year-old Kohli was set to appear in his 99th Test in the second match of the three-match series. He was set to play his 100th Test in the series decider, however, he will now have to wait for the India-Sri Lanka home series to achieve the landmark of 100 Tests.&nbsp;

On the other hand, Rahul became India's 34th Test captain when he took the field during the coin toss on Tuesday. He will also lead India in the upcoming three ODIs versus the Temba Bavuma-led Proteas, starting on January 19 at Paarl.

India were dealt with a huge blow ahead of the start of the second Test versus South Africa on Monday (January 3). Regular captain Virat Kohli got ruled out of the second and penultimate tie due to upper back spasm, with KL Rahul captaining the national side in the ongoing Test at The Wanderers, Johannesburg.

India were dealt with a huge blow ahead of the start of the second Test versus South Africa on Monday (January 3). Regular captain Virat Kohli got ruled out of the second and penultimate tie due to upper back spasm, with KL Rahul captaining the national side in the ongoing Test at The Wanderers, Johannesburg. At the coin toss, stand-in captain Rahul told the broadcasters, "Unfortunately Virat has had an upper back spasm, the physios are working on him and hopefully he'll recover for the next Test. It is every Indian player's dream to captain his country. Really honoured and looking forward to this challenge. We have had a few good wins here and hopefully we'll look to continue that. Hanuma Vihari comes in place of Virat. Just the one change. It was a good Test at Centurion overall. We really performed well as a team and are really excited about this match." In Kohli's absence, India will be eager to win the second Test -- after the impressive 113-run victory in the Centurion tie -- and claim their first-ever series triumph on South African soil. India's playing XI for the J'burg Test is as follows: KL Rahul(c), Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravichandran Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj ALSO READ | Ind vs SA, 2nd Test: Big blow to India as Virat Kohli out of playing XI, KL Rahul takes charge Here's how Twitterati reacted to Kohli's absence from the second Test: If Virat isn't playing in this test then nobody's gonna watch it. Test match without Virat is soulless. @BCCI #Virat #INDvsSA — Bobby Tanwar (@bobby_tanwar) January 3, 2022 × Why kohli not there 👀#INDvsSA — ᴍ ᴀ ɴ ɪ ᴄ ᴋ ᴬᴷ (@Manick_twts) January 3, 2022 × Back spasm rules out Captain Kohli from the 2nd Test. Drop a ❤️ to wish King a speedy recovery! 🙌🏻🙌🏻 Hope to see you on the field for the 3rd Test Skip! #PlayBold #TeamIndia #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/OzKfUZXex6 — Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) January 3, 2022 × Injured in just 17 hrs ? 🤔#ViratKohli #SAvsInd #INDvsSA https://t.co/JeK0bjPwOM — Shalav Kela (@shalavkela) January 3, 2022 × ALSO READ | India's head coach Rahul Dravid reveals when Virat Kohli will come before media For the unversed, the 33-year-old Kohli was set to appear in his 99th Test in the second match of the three-match series. He was set to play his 100th Test in the series decider, however, he will now have to wait for the India-Sri Lanka home series to achieve the landmark of 100 Tests. On the other hand, Rahul became India's 34th Test captain when he took the field during the coin toss on Tuesday. He will also lead India in the upcoming three ODIs versus the Temba Bavuma-led Proteas, starting on January 19 at Paarl.

'Test without him is soulless' - Twitterati reacts as Virat Kohli misses India vs SA 2nd Test in J'burg

Team India have been dealt with a massive blow as regular captain Virat Kohli didn't walk out for the coin toss for the national side's second Test versus Dean Elgar-led South Africa, at The Wanderers, Johannesburg. On Monday (January 3), KL Rahul took the field as the India captain with Kohli out of the playing XI due to injury concerns.&nbsp;

Kohli, who was set to appear in his 99th Test, has been out of action due to upper back spasm. After winning the toss and opting to bat first, the stand-in captain Rahul told the broadcasters, "Unfortunately Virat has had an upper back spasm, the physios are working on him and hopefully he'll recover for the next Test. It is every Indian player's dream to captain his country. Really honoured and looking forward to this challenge. We have had a few good wins here and hopefully we'll look to continue that.&nbsp;Hanuma Vihari comes in place of Virat. Just the one change. It was a good Test at Centurion overall. We really performed well as a team and are really excited about this match."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-head-coach-rahul-dravid-reveals-when-virat-kohli-will-come-before-media-441849">India's head coach Rahul Dravid reveals when Virat Kohli will come before media</a>

Rahul, who was named the vice-captain for the SA Tests in Rohit Sharma's absence, has already been named the Indian team skipper for the forthcoming three ODIs versus the Temba Bavuma-led Proteas, starting on January 19 at Paarl. Rahul will lead the side with Rohit ruled out due to hamstring issues. For now, the 29-year-old -- who was also the Player-of-the-Match in the Centurion Test, will be eager to guide the team to their first-ever Test series win on South African soil in his maiden outing as the skipper in the red-ball format.&nbsp;

India's XI in Kohli's absence is:&nbsp;KL Rahul(c), Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravichandran Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/savsind-when-and-where-to-watch-south-africa-vs-india-2nd-test-match-ist-time-and-streaming-details-441811">SAvsIND: When and where to watch South Africa vs India 2nd Test match - IST time and streaming details</a>

Meanwhile, Elgar-led SA's playing XI is as follows:&nbsp;&nbsp;Dean Elgar(c), Aiden Markram, Keegan Petersen, Rassie van der Dussen, Temba Bavuma, Kyle Verreynne(w), Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Duanne Olivier, Lungi Ngidi

India are playing at their fortress, in Johannesburg, and will look to win the second Test and claim the series. Without Kohli, it will be a herculean task for the visitors.&nbsp;

Team India have been dealt with a massive blow as regular captain Virat Kohli didn't walk out for the coin toss for the national side's second Test versus Dean Elgar-led South Africa, at The Wanderers, Johannesburg.

Team India have been dealt with a massive blow as regular captain Virat Kohli didn't walk out for the coin toss for the national side's second Test versus Dean Elgar-led South Africa, at The Wanderers, Johannesburg. On Monday (January 3), KL Rahul took the field as the India captain with Kohli out of the playing XI due to injury concerns. Kohli, who was set to appear in his 99th Test, has been out of action due to upper back spasm. After winning the toss and opting to bat first, the stand-in captain Rahul told the broadcasters, "Unfortunately Virat has had an upper back spasm, the physios are working on him and hopefully he'll recover for the next Test. It is every Indian player's dream to captain his country. Really honoured and looking forward to this challenge. We have had a few good wins here and hopefully we'll look to continue that. Hanuma Vihari comes in place of Virat. Just the one change. It was a good Test at Centurion overall. We really performed well as a team and are really excited about this match." ALSO READ | India's head coach Rahul Dravid reveals when Virat Kohli will come before media Rahul, who was named the vice-captain for the SA Tests in Rohit Sharma's absence, has already been named the Indian team skipper for the forthcoming three ODIs versus the Temba Bavuma-led Proteas, starting on January 19 at Paarl. Rahul will lead the side with Rohit ruled out due to hamstring issues. For now, the 29-year-old -- who was also the Player-of-the-Match in the Centurion Test, will be eager to guide the team to their first-ever Test series win on South African soil in his maiden outing as the skipper in the red-ball format. India's XI in Kohli's absence is: KL Rahul(c), Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant(w), Ravichandran Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj ALSO READ | SAvsIND: When and where to watch South Africa vs India 2nd Test match - IST time and streaming details Meanwhile, Elgar-led SA's playing XI is as follows: Dean Elgar(c), Aiden Markram, Keegan Petersen, Rassie van der Dussen, Temba Bavuma, Kyle Verreynne(w), Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Duanne Olivier, Lungi Ngidi India are playing at their fortress, in Johannesburg, and will look to win the second Test and claim the series. Without Kohli, it will be a herculean task for the visitors.

Ind vs SA, 2nd Test: Big blow to India as Virat Kohli out of playing XI, KL Rahul takes charge

BCCI, on December 31 (Friday), named a strong 18-man squad for India's upcoming three-match ODI series versus Temba Bavuma-led South Africa, starting on January 19. With Rohit Sharma ruled out due to injury concerns, KL Rahul was named the captain along with speedster Jasprit Bumrah becoming his deputy. While the move was lauded by many, as Bumrah has shown he possesses a sharp mind, it has surprised former Indian keeper and national selector Saba Karim.&nbsp;

Karim felt that with Rahul named captain, Rishabh Pant would've been the vice-captain as the 24-year-old is already being touted to be considered for captaincy in future. In this regard, Karim told India News, "I was extremely surprised, I was not expecting Jasprit Bumrah to be made the vice-captain. I was hoping that Rishabh Pant had more chances to be made the vice-captain because he is also a multi-format player, he plays all the three formats. Pant's performances as captain of the Delhi Capitals have been very good. We are seeing how he reads the match, he has a lot of game awareness."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kl-rahul-named-captain-for-south-africa-odis-as-rohit-sharma-ruled-out-due-to-hamstring-injury-441482">KL Rahul named captain for South Africa ODIs as Rohit Sharma ruled out due to hamstring injury</a>

He added, "Jasprit Bumrah has the talent, his role is very important for the Indian team but he has not captained anywhere till now. So it is slightly surprising. I was feeling that Rishabh Pant was the first candidate as vice-captain."

For the unversed, Pant has led Delhi Capitals (DC) in IPL 2021 and took them to the playoffs as well. On the other hand, Bumrah has not even donned the vice-captain's hat for Mumbai Indians (MI), the franchise he represents in the cash-rich league since 2015.&nbsp;

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Meanwhile, former all-rounder Reetinder Singh Sodhi has given his thumbs up to Bumrah's elevation as vice-captain. He told, "I have said earlier as well that Jasprit Bumrah is captaincy material. It is a huge myth that fast bowlers cannot be captains. Fast bowlers read the game very well and the big reason for Jasprit Bumrah being made the vice-captain is that he is a performer across the formats."

He further opined, "We can take a leaf out of the book of the Australians. Pat Cummins was made the captain, there was a lot of criticism but Australia is 3-0 ahead in the Ashes and Pat Cummins has given a terrific performance. Jasprit Bumrah being made the vice-captain is a signal that he can captain the country in the coming days."

It will be interesting to see how Rahul-Bumrah lead the side in the upcoming ODIs, which will get underway at Paarl on January 19 post the ongoing Test series in the rainbow nation. The ODI squad is well-oiled with several experienced campaigners and young guns in the mix.

India's squad for SA ODIs:

KL Rahul (captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Venktesh Iyer, Ishan Kishan, R Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah (vice-captain), Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rishabh Pant, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar

BCCI, on December 31 (Friday), named a strong 18-man squad for India's upcoming three-match ODI series versus Temba Bavuma-led South Africa, starting on January 19.

BCCI, on December 31 (Friday), named a strong 18-man squad for India's upcoming three-match ODI series versus Temba Bavuma-led South Africa, starting on January 19. With Rohit Sharma ruled out due to injury concerns, KL Rahul was named the captain along with speedster Jasprit Bumrah becoming his deputy. While the move was lauded by many, as Bumrah has shown he possesses a sharp mind, it has surprised former Indian keeper and national selector Saba Karim. Karim felt that with Rahul named captain, Rishabh Pant would've been the vice-captain as the 24-year-old is already being touted to be considered for captaincy in future. In this regard, Karim told India News, "I was extremely surprised, I was not expecting Jasprit Bumrah to be made the vice-captain. I was hoping that Rishabh Pant had more chances to be made the vice-captain because he is also a multi-format player, he plays all the three formats. Pant's performances as captain of the Delhi Capitals have been very good. We are seeing how he reads the match, he has a lot of game awareness." ALSO READ | KL Rahul named captain for South Africa ODIs as Rohit Sharma ruled out due to hamstring injury He added, "Jasprit Bumrah has the talent, his role is very important for the Indian team but he has not captained anywhere till now. So it is slightly surprising. I was feeling that Rishabh Pant was the first candidate as vice-captain." For the unversed, Pant has led Delhi Capitals (DC) in IPL 2021 and took them to the playoffs as well. On the other hand, Bumrah has not even donned the vice-captain's hat for Mumbai Indians (MI), the franchise he represents in the cash-rich league since 2015. ALSO READ | MS Dhoni may have supported some BCCI officials who didn't want me: Harbhajan Singh makes glaring remark Meanwhile, former all-rounder Reetinder Singh Sodhi has given his thumbs up to Bumrah's elevation as vice-captain. He told, "I have said earlier as well that Jasprit Bumrah is captaincy material. It is a huge myth that fast bowlers cannot be captains. Fast bowlers read the game very well and the big reason for Jasprit Bumrah being made the vice-captain is that he is a performer across the formats." He further opined, "We can take a leaf out of the book of the Australians. Pat Cummins was made the captain, there was a lot of criticism but Australia is 3-0 ahead in the Ashes and Pat Cummins has given a terrific performance. Jasprit Bumrah being made the vice-captain is a signal that he can captain the country in the coming days." It will be interesting to see how Rahul-Bumrah lead the side in the upcoming ODIs, which will get underway at Paarl on January 19 post the ongoing Test series in the rainbow nation. The ODI squad is well-oiled with several experienced campaigners and young guns in the mix. India's squad for SA ODIs: KL Rahul (captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Venktesh Iyer, Ishan Kishan, R Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, Washington Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah (vice-captain), Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rishabh Pant, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar

Ex-India keeper surprised with Jasprit Bumrah named vice-captain for SA ODIs, feels Pant had 'more chances'

Team India's 18-man squad for the upcoming South Africa ODIs, in the African nation, was announced on December 31 (Friday), 2021. While the squad announcement was delayed reportedly to examine Rohit Sharma's fitness, the 18-member squad got finally revealed sans limited-overs skipper Rohit.&nbsp;

Rohit has been ruled out due to hamstring injury as his deputy KL Rahul will lead the Men in Blue in the three ODIs against SA, starting on January 19 at Paarl. After the squad announcement, BCCI's All-India Senior Selection Committee's chairman and former player Chetan Sharma attended his first-ever press conference since taking over the top post.

In the PC, Sharma addressed some important topics pertaining in Indian cricket at present, i.e. the ODI captaincy row, opened up on the prospects of having KL Rahul as the future leader and more.

On KL Rahul's rise

Chetan said at the PC, "We are looking to groom KL Rahul and we have confidence in him. He has proved his leadership qualities. KL is the best one who can handle the side. He is an all-format player and he has got good experience of captaincy... this is what all selectors think."

For the unversed, Rahul has captained Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the last two IPL seasons and is touted to be Lucknow franchise's skipper in IPL 2022.

On Ganguly vs Kohli statements

The biggest issue in Indian cricket right now is the contradictory statements made by BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly and former limited-overs captain Kohli post the latter's T20I captaincy resignation and sacking as ODI skipper.

While Ganguly claimed that BCCI had asked Kohli to reconsider his decision to quit as T20I captain, the 33-year-old Kohli denied all such claims in a presser before the SA tour. Hence, Chetan Sharma shared his take on the matter and said, "When meeting started, it was a surprise for everybody. If the World T20 is round the corner and you hear something like this, what will be your reaction? Everyone present in that meeting had told him that he should rethink his decision (to quit T20 captaincy) and we can talk about it after the World Cup. All selectors felt at that time that this can affect us in the World Cup. It was told to Virat for sake of Indian cricket, please continue as the captain and it was told by everybody present in the meeting. The convenors were there, board officials were there. Sabhi ne bola hai (everyone told him). Who won’t tell? If this news comes to you, you are in a shock. But since we had a World T20 to play, we never wanted it to affect team."

"He (Kohli) had his plans and we respect him. If he has taken the decision, and this is what he said in the media also, that from WTC he had been thinking about it... everyone told him to think about it and we thought let’s talk after the World Cup," added the former cricketer.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/packed-home-season-asia-cup-t20-wc-a-glance-at-kohli-rohit-starrer-indias-cricketing-calendar-for-2022-441557">Packed home season, Asia Cup, T20 WC: A glance at Kohli, Rohit-starrer India's cricketing calendar for 2022</a>

On Kohli's sacking as ODI captain

On December 8, BCCI removed Kohli as the ODI skipper, appointing Rohit as the white-ball skipper. This also led to varied responses from all corners, especially as it came only in the form of a tweet from the BCCI and wasn't followed by an official statement or presser. At his presser on December 15, Kohli had admitted that he agreed on the reason given for his sacking, however, revealed that he came to know about the decision only sometime before the official announcement was made.

In this regard, Sharma told, "It was Virat’s decision and nobody actually told him to quit the [T20I] captaincy. But once he quit T20 captaincy, obviously the selectors have to think what our decision is and obviously all selectors think it is one captain for white-ball formats, it becomes easy for selectors to plan things. We informed him regarding this. The 50 overs decision was the selectors’ and T20 captaincy was his decision."

He further asserted, "As soon as selection committee came to the point and discussed it, I immediately called up Virat that afternoon. There was a Test selection coming up. We didn’t want to inform in that selection meeting and that’s why I called him when our meeting was over. And this is what selectors think and there will be one white-ball captain, there were a couple of questions and we had good conversations. He (Kohli) agreed on that. What we discuss I can’t disclose it here and we had a good chat. Most important thing is, Virat is a very important part of Indian cricket. We want him to play for India and keep getting runs, because the team revolves around it."

"When it comes to planning, our thought process was we need one white-ball captain and one red-ball captain. He came at (Test selection) meeting around 5:30 pm and we had informed him before that. It was hard decision for us and we have to take some hard decisions, that’s what we are here for. Same for selection of playing XI. Sometimes those are need of the hour. He is going to be a very important for years to come," the 55-year old added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kl-rahul-named-captain-for-south-africa-odis-as-rohit-sharma-ruled-out-due-to-hamstring-injury-441482">KL Rahul named captain for South Africa ODIs as Rohit Sharma ruled out due to hamstring injury</a>

Chetan Sharma signed off by saying, "The main goal for everybody is the same: to keep India on top. We don’t want controversies. That is the reason we don’t come out. Our job is to select the team, make sure the best guy goes and plays for the country. When these controversies happen, it makes us sad as cricketers. I was joking that Ajaz [Patel] has been dropped by New Zealand after taking ten wickets. Imagine if we had done something similar, what would have happened to us," he said.

At present, India is involved in a three-match Test series versus South Africa, in the rainbow nation. The Kohli-led Test side won the series opener, at Centurion, by 113 runs and are on the cusp of winning their first-ever Test series in the African nation if they win at least one of the remaining two Tests.&nbsp;

The Tests will be followed by three ODIs, which will give Rahul the chance to lead India for the first time in a full series.&nbsp;

Team India's 18-man squad for the upcoming South Africa ODIs, in the African nation, was announced on December 31 (Friday), 2021. While the squad announcement was delayed reportedly to examine Rohit Sharma's fitness, the 18-member squad got finally revealed sans limited-overs skipper Rohit.

Team India's 18-man squad for the upcoming South Africa ODIs, in the African nation, was announced on December 31 (Friday), 2021. While the squad announcement was delayed reportedly to examine Rohit Sharma's fitness, the 18-member squad got finally revealed sans limited-overs skipper Rohit. Rohit has been ruled out due to hamstring injury as his deputy KL Rahul will lead the Men in Blue in the three ODIs against SA, starting on January 19 at Paarl. After the squad announcement, BCCI's All-India Senior Selection Committee's chairman and former player Chetan Sharma attended his first-ever press conference since taking over the top post. In the PC, Sharma addressed some important topics pertaining in Indian cricket at present, i.e. the ODI captaincy row, opened up on the prospects of having KL Rahul as the future leader and more. On KL Rahul's rise Chetan said at the PC, "We are looking to groom KL Rahul and we have confidence in him. He has proved his leadership qualities. KL is the best one who can handle the side. He is an all-format player and he has got good experience of captaincy... this is what all selectors think." For the unversed, Rahul has captained Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the last two IPL seasons and is touted to be Lucknow franchise's skipper in IPL 2022. On Ganguly vs Kohli statements The biggest issue in Indian cricket right now is the contradictory statements made by BCCI chief Sourav Ganguly and former limited-overs captain Kohli post the latter's T20I captaincy resignation and sacking as ODI skipper. While Ganguly claimed that BCCI had asked Kohli to reconsider his decision to quit as T20I captain, the 33-year-old Kohli denied all such claims in a presser before the SA tour. Hence, Chetan Sharma shared his take on the matter and said, "When meeting started, it was a surprise for everybody. If the World T20 is round the corner and you hear something like this, what will be your reaction? Everyone present in that meeting had told him that he should rethink his decision (to quit T20 captaincy) and we can talk about it after the World Cup. All selectors felt at that time that this can affect us in the World Cup. It was told to Virat for sake of Indian cricket, please continue as the captain and it was told by everybody present in the meeting. The convenors were there, board officials were there. Sabhi ne bola hai (everyone told him). Who won’t tell? If this news comes to you, you are in a shock. But since we had a World T20 to play, we never wanted it to affect team." "He (Kohli) had his plans and we respect him. If he has taken the decision, and this is what he said in the media also, that from WTC he had been thinking about it... everyone told him to think about it and we thought let’s talk after the World Cup," added the former cricketer. ALSO READ | Packed home season, Asia Cup, T20 WC: A glance at Kohli, Rohit-starrer India's cricketing calendar for 2022 On Kohli's sacking as ODI captain On December 8, BCCI removed Kohli as the ODI skipper, appointing Rohit as the white-ball skipper. This also led to varied responses from all corners, especially as it came only in the form of a tweet from the BCCI and wasn't followed by an official statement or presser. At his presser on December 15, Kohli had admitted that he agreed on the reason given for his sacking, however, revealed that he came to know about the decision only sometime before the official announcement was made. In this regard, Sharma told, "It was Virat’s decision and nobody actually told him to quit the [T20I] captaincy. But once he quit T20 captaincy, obviously the selectors have to think what our decision is and obviously all selectors think it is one captain for white-ball formats, it becomes easy for selectors to plan things. We informed him regarding this. The 50 overs decision was the selectors’ and T20 captaincy was his decision." He further asserted, "As soon as selection committee came to the point and discussed it, I immediately called up Virat that afternoon. There was a Test selection coming up. We didn’t want to inform in that selection meeting and that’s why I called him when our meeting was over. And this is what selectors think and there will be one white-ball captain, there were a couple of questions and we had good conversations. He (Kohli) agreed on that. What we discuss I can’t disclose it here and we had a good chat. Most important thing is, Virat is a very important part of Indian cricket. We want him to play for India and keep getting runs, because the team revolves around it." "When it comes to planning, our thought process was we need one white-ball captain and one red-ball captain. He came at (Test selection) meeting around 5:30 pm and we had informed him before that. It was hard decision for us and we have to take some hard decisions, that’s what we are here for. Same for selection of playing XI. Sometimes those are need of the hour. He is going to be a very important for years to come," the 55-year old added. ALSO READ | KL Rahul named captain for South Africa ODIs as Rohit Sharma ruled out due to hamstring injury Chetan Sharma signed off by saying, "The main goal for everybody is the same: to keep India on top. We don’t want controversies. That is the reason we don’t come out. Our job is to select the team, make sure the best guy goes and plays for the country. When these controversies happen, it makes us sad as cricketers. I was joking that Ajaz [Patel] has been dropped by New Zealand after taking ten wickets. Imagine if we had done something similar, what would have happened to us," he said. At present, India is involved in a three-match Test series versus South Africa, in the rainbow nation. The Kohli-led Test side won the series opener, at Centurion, by 113 runs and are on the cusp of winning their first-ever Test series in the African nation if they win at least one of the remaining two Tests. The Tests will be followed by three ODIs, which will give Rahul the chance to lead India for the first time in a full series.

ODI captaincy row, KL Rahul as future captain: Major talking points from Chetan Sharma's press conference

BCCI announced a strong 18-man squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series versus Temba Bavuma-led South Africa on Friday (December 31). The series will take place in early 2022, soon after the conclusion of the ongoing Tests in the African nation.&nbsp;

While all eyes were on Rohit Sharma's fitness, the limited-overs captain will miss the series after being ruled out due to hamstring injury as his deputy KL Rahul will lead the side in his absence. This will be the first time that Rahul will lead the side in a full series. Earlier, he had led Team India in a T20I in New Zealand, during the final innings, and has led the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the last two IPL seasons.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-virat-kohli-dances-with-resort-staff-as-india-cap-off-2021-with-historic-centurion-test-win-441406">Watch: Virat Kohli dances with resort staff as India cap off 2021 with historic Centurion Test win</a>

For the unversed, Rahul is also serving as the vice-captain in the ongoing Test series in Rohit's absence. Talking about the squad, it is a well-oiled unit with experienced campaigners such as Shikhar Dhawan, former captain Virat Kohli, R Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah (named vice-captain), Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the line-up. Among the young guns, Ruturaj Gaikwad -- who top-scored in IPL 2021 and returned with four tons in Vijay Hazare Trophy -- Venkatesh Iyer, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar have also been included. The likes of Ravindra Jadeja, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel have missed out due to injury concerns.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/south-africa-no-match-to-team-india-harbhajan-backs-virat-kohli-co-to-win-maiden-test-series-in-sa-441469">South Africa no match to Team India: Harbhajan backs Virat Kohli &amp; Co. to win maiden Test series in SA</a>

The ODI series will get underway on January 19 at Paarl, which will be followed by the second and third encounter at Paarl and Cape Town, respectively. The Indian team will be eager to begin 2022 in style by winning the Test as well as the ODI series in the African nation. In year 2021, India played only a handful of ODIs (six), winning four&nbsp;and losing two games.

Squad: KL Rahul (captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Gaikwad, Kohli, Iyer, Suryakumar, Venktesh, Kishan, Ashwin, Chahal, Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah (vice-captain), Bhuvneshwar, Pant, Krishna, Siraj, Shardul, Deepak Chahar

BCCI announced a strong 18-man squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series versus Temba Bavuma-led South Africa on Friday (December 31). The series will take place in early 2022, soon after the conclusion of the ongoing Tests in the African nation.

BCCI announced a strong 18-man squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series versus Temba Bavuma-led South Africa on Friday (December 31). The series will take place in early 2022, soon after the conclusion of the ongoing Tests in the African nation. While all eyes were on Rohit Sharma's fitness, the limited-overs captain will miss the series after being ruled out due to hamstring injury as his deputy KL Rahul will lead the side in his absence. This will be the first time that Rahul will lead the side in a full series. Earlier, he had led Team India in a T20I in New Zealand, during the final innings, and has led the Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the last two IPL seasons. ALSO READ | Watch: Virat Kohli dances with resort staff as India cap off 2021 with historic Centurion Test win For the unversed, Rahul is also serving as the vice-captain in the ongoing Test series in Rohit's absence. Talking about the squad, it is a well-oiled unit with experienced campaigners such as Shikhar Dhawan, former captain Virat Kohli, R Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah (named vice-captain), Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the line-up. Among the young guns, Ruturaj Gaikwad -- who top-scored in IPL 2021 and returned with four tons in Vijay Hazare Trophy -- Venkatesh Iyer, Ishan Kishan, Shreyas Iyer, Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar have also been included. The likes of Ravindra Jadeja, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel have missed out due to injury concerns. ALSO READ | South Africa no match to Team India: Harbhajan backs Virat Kohli & Co. to win maiden Test series in SA The ODI series will get underway on January 19 at Paarl, which will be followed by the second and third encounter at Paarl and Cape Town, respectively. The Indian team will be eager to begin 2022 in style by winning the Test as well as the ODI series in the African nation. In year 2021, India played only a handful of ODIs (six), winning four and losing two games. Squad: KL Rahul (captain), Shikhar Dhawan, Gaikwad, Kohli, Iyer, Suryakumar, Venktesh, Kishan, Ashwin, Chahal, Sundar, Jasprit Bumrah (vice-captain), Bhuvneshwar, Pant, Krishna, Siraj, Shardul, Deepak Chahar

KL Rahul named captain for South Africa ODIs as Rohit Sharma ruled out due to hamstring injury

India romped past South Africa by 113 runs to win the first Test at SuperSpork Park, Centurion on Thursday (December 30) and go 1-0 up in the three-match series. Everything clicked for the visitors from the word go as they went onto win their first-ever Test at Centurion, which was SA's fortress since 2014.&nbsp;

Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Kohli &amp; Co. rode on KL Rahul's 123 to post 327 all-out. In reply, Proteas fell like nine pins to be all-out for 197, courtesy Mohammed Shami's five-fer, to concede a 130-run lead. In their second essay, India managed only 174 but setup a competitive 305-run target for the hosts. On Day 5, Dean Elgar-led Proteas resumed at 94-4 and got dismissed for 191 to lose the clash by 113 runs.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/no-kohli-or-bumrah-rohit-sharma-rishabh-pant-among-4-indians-in-cricket-australias-test-xi-of-2021-441447">No Kohli or Bumrah! Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant among 4 Indians in Cricket Australia's Test XI of 2021</a>

Thus, India are now one step closer to winning their maiden Test series in the African nation. Ahead of the second Test, which gets underway on January 3 at The Wanderers, Johannesburg, former spinner Harbhajan Sigh feels Kohli &amp; Co. are too dominant infront of the hapless Proteas and will get past them in one of the two remaining Tests to win the series.&nbsp;

"We’ve spoken about it earlier as well that this series will present plenty of opportunities against South Africa. When India used to tour South Africa earlier, it seemed as if they are travelling to play in very difficult conditions, but now the irrespective of the scenario in South African cricket, India have the bowlers to take 20 wickets. Shami picked five wickets and bowled splendidly in the second innings. Bumrah took crucial wickets on Day 4 evening," Harbhajan said on Sports Tak.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/team-india-by-far-the-best-in-the-world-former-sa-pacer-lauds-virat-kohli-co-post-centurion-test-win-441425">Team India by far the best in the world: Former SA pacer lauds Virat Kohli &amp; Co. post Centurion Test win</a>

"Overall, if you look at it, this South Africa team is no match to the current Indian unit. I feel this is a very strong Indian team and like I had said earlier, this is their best opportunity to win a Test series there. If they can't win it this time around, it will be very difficult. The start though has been very good and, in the time to come, India will win at least one of the next two games and take the series," explained Harbhajan.

India romped past South Africa by 113 runs to win the first Test at SuperSpork Park, Centurion on Thursday (December 30) and go 1-0 up in the three-match series.

India romped past South Africa by 113 runs to win the first Test at SuperSpork Park, Centurion on Thursday (December 30) and go 1-0 up in the three-match series. Everything clicked for the visitors from the word go as they went onto win their first-ever Test at Centurion, which was SA's fortress since 2014. Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Kohli & Co. rode on KL Rahul's 123 to post 327 all-out. In reply, Proteas fell like nine pins to be all-out for 197, courtesy Mohammed Shami's five-fer, to concede a 130-run lead. In their second essay, India managed only 174 but setup a competitive 305-run target for the hosts. On Day 5, Dean Elgar-led Proteas resumed at 94-4 and got dismissed for 191 to lose the clash by 113 runs. ALSO READ | No Kohli or Bumrah! Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant among 4 Indians in Cricket Australia's Test XI of 2021 Thus, India are now one step closer to winning their maiden Test series in the African nation. Ahead of the second Test, which gets underway on January 3 at The Wanderers, Johannesburg, former spinner Harbhajan Sigh feels Kohli & Co. are too dominant infront of the hapless Proteas and will get past them in one of the two remaining Tests to win the series. "We’ve spoken about it earlier as well that this series will present plenty of opportunities against South Africa. When India used to tour South Africa earlier, it seemed as if they are travelling to play in very difficult conditions, but now the irrespective of the scenario in South African cricket, India have the bowlers to take 20 wickets. Shami picked five wickets and bowled splendidly in the second innings. Bumrah took crucial wickets on Day 4 evening," Harbhajan said on Sports Tak. ALSO READ | Team India by far the best in the world: Former SA pacer lauds Virat Kohli & Co. post Centurion Test win "Overall, if you look at it, this South Africa team is no match to the current Indian unit. I feel this is a very strong Indian team and like I had said earlier, this is their best opportunity to win a Test series there. If they can't win it this time around, it will be very difficult. The start though has been very good and, in the time to come, India will win at least one of the next two games and take the series," explained Harbhajan.

South Africa no match to Team India: Harbhajan backs Virat Kohli & Co. to win maiden Test series in SA

India beat South Africa in the first Test at the SuperSport Park, Centurion by 113 runs to go 1-0 up in the three-match series. Batting first, India made 327 riding on KL Rahul's 123 whereas Mohammed Shami's five-fer led to the Proteas conceding a whopping 130-run first-innings lead to the visitors.&nbsp;

While Virat Kohli-led India collapsed for a mere 174 in their second essay, they managed to setup a competitive 305-run target for the home side as Dean Elgar &amp; Co. fell for 191 to lose by 113 runs. After the first Test, former SA pacer Morne Morkel lavished huge praise on the Indian Test team, calling them the 'best in the world today'.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-virat-kohli-dances-with-resort-staff-as-india-cap-off-2021-with-historic-centurion-test-win-441406">Watch: Virat Kohli dances with resort staff as India cap off 2021 with historic Centurion Test win</a>

"Well Done. They (Team India) are by far the best team in the world today. In a short time now, you deserve it, they've worked long and hard to support their team that can go an compete away from home," Morkel said talking to Star Sports during the post-match show.

"The clear game plan that the bowlers can take 20 wickets; so enjoy this moment. I think it's a special feat to be a part of. For me, India are definitely leading the way," he added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-played-some-outstanding-cricket-virat-kohli-looks-back-at-indias-glorious-test-run-in-2021-441357">We played some outstanding cricket: Virat Kohli looks back at India's glorious Test run in 2021</a>

The No. 1 ranked Indian Test side will now aim to add to Proteas' woes and win the second and penultimate Test, starting on January 3 at The Wanderers, Johannesburg, to script history by achieving their maiden series triumph on South African soil.&nbsp;

After winning two Test series in a row in Australia and gaining an unassailable 2-1 lead over England in the incomplete five Tests in the United Kingdom early this year, Kohli-led India will aim to create history in South Africa this time around.

India beat South Africa in the first Test at the SuperSport Park, Centurion by 113 runs to go 1-0 up in the three-match series. Batting first, India made 327 riding on KL Rahul's 123 whereas Mohammed Shami's five-fer led to the Proteas conceding a whopping 130-run first-innings lead to the visitors.

India beat South Africa in the first Test at the SuperSport Park, Centurion by 113 runs to go 1-0 up in the three-match series. Batting first, India made 327 riding on KL Rahul's 123 whereas Mohammed Shami's five-fer led to the Proteas conceding a whopping 130-run first-innings lead to the visitors. While Virat Kohli-led India collapsed for a mere 174 in their second essay, they managed to setup a competitive 305-run target for the home side as Dean Elgar & Co. fell for 191 to lose by 113 runs. After the first Test, former SA pacer Morne Morkel lavished huge praise on the Indian Test team, calling them the 'best in the world today'. ALSO READ | Watch: Virat Kohli dances with resort staff as India cap off 2021 with historic Centurion Test win "Well Done. They (Team India) are by far the best team in the world today. In a short time now, you deserve it, they've worked long and hard to support their team that can go an compete away from home," Morkel said talking to Star Sports during the post-match show. "The clear game plan that the bowlers can take 20 wickets; so enjoy this moment. I think it's a special feat to be a part of. For me, India are definitely leading the way," he added. ALSO READ | We played some outstanding cricket: Virat Kohli looks back at India's glorious Test run in 2021 The No. 1 ranked Indian Test side will now aim to add to Proteas' woes and win the second and penultimate Test, starting on January 3 at The Wanderers, Johannesburg, to script history by achieving their maiden series triumph on South African soil. After winning two Test series in a row in Australia and gaining an unassailable 2-1 lead over England in the incomplete five Tests in the United Kingdom early this year, Kohli-led India will aim to create history in South Africa this time around.

Team India by far the best in the world: Former SA pacer lauds Virat Kohli & Co. post Centurion Test win

Virat Kohli-led India won the Centurion Test versus South Africa by 113 runs to go 1-0 up in the three-match series in the African nation on Thursday (December 30). Team India also ended their calendar year on an emphatic note with their maiden Test win at Centurion, where the Proteas hadn't lost since 2014.

Talking about the series opener at SuperSpork Park, Centurion, India won the toss and rode on opener KL Rahul's 123 to post 327 all-out. In reply, South Africa folded for 197 as Mohammed Shami returned with a five-fer. While India collapsed for 174, they managed to setup a competitive 305-run target for the hosts. On Day 5, Dean Elgar-led SA resumed at 94-4 and were soon folded for 191; losing the clash by 113 runs.&nbsp;

Thus, this became India's fourth Test victory on South African soil and the first at Centurion. As India are now on the cusp of winning their maiden Test series in the rainbow nation, the Team India players were in celebratory mode after the win. Hence, Captain Kohli shook a leg with the resort staff on Indian players' return to the hotel post the historic win. Here's the video shared on BCCI's official Twitter handle:

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/we-played-some-outstanding-cricket-virat-kohli-looks-back-at-indias-glorious-test-run-in-2021-441357">We played some outstanding cricket: Virat Kohli looks back at India's glorious Test run in 2021</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Cannot ask for a better end to 2021! 👏 👏<a href="https://twitter.com/28anand?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@28anand</a> captures the essence and vibes in Centurion post <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a>'s historic Test win at SuperSport Park. 👌 👌 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAvIND</a> 
 
Watch the full video 🎥 🔽<a href="https://t.co/49IFMY2Lxl">https://t.co/49IFMY2Lxl</a> <a href="https://t.co/PnIaswqsH7">pic.twitter.com/PnIaswqsH7</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1476757503056646146?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2021</a></blockquote>
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ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/a-look-at-plethora-of-records-achieved-by-virat-kohli-as-india-thrash-south-africa-in-centurion-441243">A look at plethora of records achieved by Virat Kohli as India thrash South Africa in Centurion</a>

After the victory, the 33-year-old Kohli lauded the team effort and was all praise for the seamers. He told at the post-match presentation, "Got off to the perfect start. Have to understand one day was washed out - shows how well we played. It's always a difficult place to play against SA (Centurion). The discipline that the batters showed. Winning the toss, batting first overseas is a tough challenge. Credit to Mayank and KL the way they set it up. We knew we were in pole position with anything over 300-320. Knew the bowlers will do the job. Spoke about it in the change room - the fact he didn't bowl much in the first innings, it allowed SA to get around 40 more runs (Bumrah). Just the way these guys bowl together has been a hallmark of our team getting a result in difficult situations. Absolutely world class talent (Shami).&nbsp;For me he's in the best three seamers in the world at the moment. His strong wrist, his seam position and his ability to hit a length consistently. Got so much confidence out of Johannesburg last time. It's a ground we love playing at."

The second and penultimate Test starts on January 3 at The Wanderers, Johannesburg.&nbsp;

Virat Kohli-led India won the Centurion Test versus South Africa by 113 runs to go 1-0 up in the three-match series in the African nation on Thursday (December 30).

Virat Kohli-led India won the Centurion Test versus South Africa by 113 runs to go 1-0 up in the three-match series in the African nation on Thursday (December 30). Team India also ended their calendar year on an emphatic note with their maiden Test win at Centurion, where the Proteas hadn't lost since 2014. Talking about the series opener at SuperSpork Park, Centurion, India won the toss and rode on opener KL Rahul's 123 to post 327 all-out. In reply, South Africa folded for 197 as Mohammed Shami returned with a five-fer. While India collapsed for 174, they managed to setup a competitive 305-run target for the hosts. On Day 5, Dean Elgar-led SA resumed at 94-4 and were soon folded for 191; losing the clash by 113 runs. Thus, this became India's fourth Test victory on South African soil and the first at Centurion. As India are now on the cusp of winning their maiden Test series in the rainbow nation, the Team India players were in celebratory mode after the win. Hence, Captain Kohli shook a leg with the resort staff on Indian players' return to the hotel post the historic win. Here's the video shared on BCCI's official Twitter handle: ALSO READ | We played some outstanding cricket: Virat Kohli looks back at India's glorious Test run in 2021 Cannot ask for a better end to 2021! 👏 👏@28anand captures the essence and vibes in Centurion post #TeamIndia's historic Test win at SuperSport Park. 👌 👌 #SAvIND Watch the full video 🎥 🔽https://t.co/49IFMY2Lxl pic.twitter.com/PnIaswqsH7 — BCCI (@BCCI) December 31, 2021 × ALSO READ | A look at plethora of records achieved by Virat Kohli as India thrash South Africa in Centurion After the victory, the 33-year-old Kohli lauded the team effort and was all praise for the seamers. He told at the post-match presentation, "Got off to the perfect start. Have to understand one day was washed out - shows how well we played. It's always a difficult place to play against SA (Centurion). The discipline that the batters showed. Winning the toss, batting first overseas is a tough challenge. Credit to Mayank and KL the way they set it up. We knew we were in pole position with anything over 300-320. Knew the bowlers will do the job. Spoke about it in the change room - the fact he didn't bowl much in the first innings, it allowed SA to get around 40 more runs (Bumrah). Just the way these guys bowl together has been a hallmark of our team getting a result in difficult situations. Absolutely world class talent (Shami). For me he's in the best three seamers in the world at the moment. His strong wrist, his seam position and his ability to hit a length consistently. Got so much confidence out of Johannesburg last time. It's a ground we love playing at." The second and penultimate Test starts on January 3 at The Wanderers, Johannesburg.

Watch: Virat Kohli dances with resort staff as India cap off 2021 with historic Centurion Test win

Team India beat South Africa by 113 runs to win the first Test, of the three-match series, in their 2021/22 tour of the&nbsp;African nation. With this win, India achieved only their fourth Test victory in South Africa and their first at Centurion (SA's fortress since 2014). Earlier in the year, India had breached Australia's 32-year-long fortress, i.e. at The Gabba, Brisbane.

Thus, India had a glorious run in the longest format of the game in 2021. In the year, India came from behind and without many key players to beat Australia in the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under (their second Test series triumph in Australia in a row), beat England and New Zealand at home (3-1 and 1-0 respectively) and also achieved an unassailable 2-1 lead over Joe Root &amp; Co. in the incomplete five Tests in the United Kingdom.

The only blip in India's Test run in 2021 came during the WTC final, where Kohli &amp; Co. lost the coveted title by 8 wickets. Hence, the 33-year-old Indian Test captain reviewed India's year in Tests with great pride.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jasprit-bumrah-mohammed-shami-or-mohammed-siraj-aakash-chopra-names-indias-no-1-pacer-in-tests-441347">Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami or Mohammed Siraj? Aakash Chopra names India's No. 1 pacer in Tests</a>

"New Year is a very good time to look back and analyse how you played your cricket. And I think we played some outstanding cricket, not just this year, but over the last two three years, especially overseas. We are a side who are getting better and gaining more confidence with how much cricket we play. It feels amazing to be 1-0 up. Sets up wonderfully for the Wanderers," Kohli said on BCCI.tv.

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Scenes from Centurion 👌<a href="https://t.co/Z3MPyesSeZ">https://t.co/Z3MPyesSeZ</a> goes behind the scenes post <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a>'s historic win at SuperSport Park 🏟️🙌 
 
Full video coming up soon 📽️ - Stay tuned ⏳<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAvIND</a> <a href="https://t.co/oKyGhm0MxF">pic.twitter.com/oKyGhm0MxF</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1476564857419825155?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"Test series in South Africa or in any place is not easy and Centurion is obviously the most difficult of them all. We ended up getting a result within four days which is a testimony to the fact that we have become the side which we are today and the strength of the squad was on full display. We were just looking for opportunities to win the game. That's how we play our cricket now. And given an opportunity at any given stage we will bounce back. It is a beautiful position to be in, to be 1-0 up away from home with the opposition under pressure in the second Test as well is a golden opportunity and I'm absolutely certain that all the players will be looking forward to it and we can wait for Jo'burg," he added.

The No. 1 ranked Indian Test team will now look to move ahead in a similar stead in the next year and hope to start 2022 with a bang by winning the second and penultimate Test versus Proteas; claiming their maiden Test series win in the African nation.

The second Test starts on January 3 at The Wanderers, Johannesburg.

Team India beat South Africa by 113 runs to win the first Test, of the three-match series, in their 2021/22 tour of the African nation. With this win, India achieved only their fourth Test victory in South Africa and their first at Centurion (SA's fortress since 2014).

Team India beat South Africa by 113 runs to win the first Test, of the three-match series, in their 2021/22 tour of the African nation. With this win, India achieved only their fourth Test victory in South Africa and their first at Centurion (SA's fortress since 2014). Earlier in the year, India had breached Australia's 32-year-long fortress, i.e. at The Gabba, Brisbane. Thus, India had a glorious run in the longest format of the game in 2021. In the year, India came from behind and without many key players to beat Australia in the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy Down Under (their second Test series triumph in Australia in a row), beat England and New Zealand at home (3-1 and 1-0 respectively) and also achieved an unassailable 2-1 lead over Joe Root & Co. in the incomplete five Tests in the United Kingdom. The only blip in India's Test run in 2021 came during the WTC final, where Kohli & Co. lost the coveted title by 8 wickets. Hence, the 33-year-old Indian Test captain reviewed India's year in Tests with great pride. ALSO READ | Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami or Mohammed Siraj? Aakash Chopra names India's No. 1 pacer in Tests "New Year is a very good time to look back and analyse how you played your cricket. And I think we played some outstanding cricket, not just this year, but over the last two three years, especially overseas. We are a side who are getting better and gaining more confidence with how much cricket we play. It feels amazing to be 1-0 up. Sets up wonderfully for the Wanderers," Kohli said on BCCI.tv. Scenes from Centurion 👌https://t.co/Z3MPyesSeZ goes behind the scenes post #TeamIndia's historic win at SuperSport Park 🏟️🙌 Full video coming up soon 📽️ - Stay tuned ⏳#SAvIND pic.twitter.com/oKyGhm0MxF — BCCI (@BCCI) December 30, 2021 × ALSO READ | A look at plethora of records achieved by Virat Kohli as India thrash South Africa in Centurion "Test series in South Africa or in any place is not easy and Centurion is obviously the most difficult of them all. We ended up getting a result within four days which is a testimony to the fact that we have become the side which we are today and the strength of the squad was on full display. We were just looking for opportunities to win the game. That's how we play our cricket now. And given an opportunity at any given stage we will bounce back. It is a beautiful position to be in, to be 1-0 up away from home with the opposition under pressure in the second Test as well is a golden opportunity and I'm absolutely certain that all the players will be looking forward to it and we can wait for Jo'burg," he added. The No. 1 ranked Indian Test team will now look to move ahead in a similar stead in the next year and hope to start 2022 with a bang by winning the second and penultimate Test versus Proteas; claiming their maiden Test series win in the African nation. The second Test starts on January 3 at The Wanderers, Johannesburg.

We played some outstanding cricket: Virat Kohli looks back at India's glorious Test run in 2021

India romped past South Africa by 113 runs to win the first Test at SuperSpork Park, Centurion on Thursday (December 30). Setting up a target of 305 runs, Virat Kohli-led India had accounted for 4 wickets of the Proteas in the final innings at stumps on Day 4 and wrapped up the proceedings in the second session of the final day on Thursday.

With this, India achieved their first-ever Test win at Centurion, a venue where South Africa were unbeaten since 2014. Thus, Kohli &amp; Co. have taken a 1-0 lead and will be aiming to win their maiden Test series in the African nation when the second and penultimate Test commences on January 3, at The Wanderers, Johannesburg.&nbsp;

Talking about the Centurion Test win, KL Rahul's 123 and Mayank Agarwal's 60 (both in the first innings) were the top-performers for India with the bat whereas the seamers led the charge with the red cherry. Jasprit Bumrah ended with five scalps in the mach, Mohammed Shami finished with an eight-wicket haul whereas Mohammed Siraj accounted for three wickets and Shardul Thakur took two wickets in the entire contest (taking 18 out of the 20 Proteas scalps). The likes of Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav warmed the bench; depicting the solid bench strength of the Indian pace battery at present.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/a-look-at-plethora-of-records-achieved-by-virat-kohli-as-india-thrash-south-africa-in-centurion-441243">A look at plethora of records achieved by Virat Kohli as India thrash South Africa in Centurion</a>

After the Centurion Test, former Indian opener-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra, in a video on his YouTube channel, reserved the title of 'special' for Bumrah. However, when it came to naming the No. 1 speedster in the Indian team taking all venues into account in whites, the former opener picked Shami.

"You look at Bumrah because he's special. But if we equalize every condition, India's number one Test pacer is Mohammad Shami, especially at this point in time. He asks questions with the delivery of his. He took five wickets against this team in Vishakhapatnam as well and now he took a fifer at Centurion," Chopra explained.

"We saw sideways movement from Ngidi, Rabada's pace and saw Bumrah's magic. But what about Shami? Shami doesn't bowl a magic delivery like Bumrah does. But he bowls on dangerous areas consistently and releases the ball with so close to the stumps. Who bowled the most deliveries on fourth stump? Who bowled the maximum deliveries that were hitting on top of off? - It was sensational Shami," he added.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-lauds-india-bowlers-after-centurion-test-win-lavishes-huge-praise-on-mohammed-shami-441184">Virat Kohli lauds India bowlers after Centurion Test win, lavishes huge praise on Mohammed Shami</a>

"Jasprit Bumrah is a national asset. He's a treasure. We are so fortunate that our fast bowling unit has matured together. Bumrah took important wickets at important phases of the game. He set the tone by dismissing Dean Elgar in the very first over (first innings). Then, on Day 4 when there was a partnership building up for South Africa, he bowled a magical ball to van der Dussen. Then Keshav Maharaj came to the crease, and mind you, he bats well."

"Bumrah wonderfully bowled a yorker to dismiss him. He then took Elgar out again but with a different kind of a delivery. I mean he (Bumrah) is brilliant, man," the former cricketer opined.

India will now shift their focus to winning the second Test and claim their first-ever series on African soil. In 2006/07 tour of SA, India had taken a 1-0 lead under current head coach Rahul Dravid, however, lost the plot from thereon to lose 2-1. Hence, the national side will be eager for history to not repeat itself this time around.

India romped past South Africa by 113 runs to win the first Test at SuperSpork Park, Centurion on Thursday (December 30). Setting up a target of 305 runs, Virat Kohli-led India had accounted for 4 wickets of the Proteas in the final innings at stumps on Day 4 and wrapped up the proceedings in the second session of the final day on Thursday.

India romped past South Africa by 113 runs to win the first Test at SuperSpork Park, Centurion on Thursday (December 30). Setting up a target of 305 runs, Virat Kohli-led India had accounted for 4 wickets of the Proteas in the final innings at stumps on Day 4 and wrapped up the proceedings in the second session of the final day on Thursday. With this, India achieved their first-ever Test win at Centurion, a venue where South Africa were unbeaten since 2014. Thus, Kohli & Co. have taken a 1-0 lead and will be aiming to win their maiden Test series in the African nation when the second and penultimate Test commences on January 3, at The Wanderers, Johannesburg. Talking about the Centurion Test win, KL Rahul's 123 and Mayank Agarwal's 60 (both in the first innings) were the top-performers for India with the bat whereas the seamers led the charge with the red cherry. Jasprit Bumrah ended with five scalps in the mach, Mohammed Shami finished with an eight-wicket haul whereas Mohammed Siraj accounted for three wickets and Shardul Thakur took two wickets in the entire contest (taking 18 out of the 20 Proteas scalps). The likes of Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav warmed the bench; depicting the solid bench strength of the Indian pace battery at present. ALSO READ | A look at plethora of records achieved by Virat Kohli as India thrash South Africa in Centurion After the Centurion Test, former Indian opener-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra, in a video on his YouTube channel, reserved the title of 'special' for Bumrah. However, when it came to naming the No. 1 speedster in the Indian team taking all venues into account in whites, the former opener picked Shami. "You look at Bumrah because he's special. But if we equalize every condition, India's number one Test pacer is Mohammad Shami, especially at this point in time. He asks questions with the delivery of his. He took five wickets against this team in Vishakhapatnam as well and now he took a fifer at Centurion," Chopra explained. "We saw sideways movement from Ngidi, Rabada's pace and saw Bumrah's magic. But what about Shami? Shami doesn't bowl a magic delivery like Bumrah does. But he bowls on dangerous areas consistently and releases the ball with so close to the stumps. Who bowled the most deliveries on fourth stump? Who bowled the maximum deliveries that were hitting on top of off? - It was sensational Shami," he added. ALSO READ | Virat Kohli lauds India bowlers after Centurion Test win, lavishes huge praise on Mohammed Shami "Jasprit Bumrah is a national asset. He's a treasure. We are so fortunate that our fast bowling unit has matured together. Bumrah took important wickets at important phases of the game. He set the tone by dismissing Dean Elgar in the very first over (first innings). Then, on Day 4 when there was a partnership building up for South Africa, he bowled a magical ball to van der Dussen. Then Keshav Maharaj came to the crease, and mind you, he bats well." "Bumrah wonderfully bowled a yorker to dismiss him. He then took Elgar out again but with a different kind of a delivery. I mean he (Bumrah) is brilliant, man," the former cricketer opined. India will now shift their focus to winning the second Test and claim their first-ever series on African soil. In 2006/07 tour of SA, India had taken a 1-0 lead under current head coach Rahul Dravid, however, lost the plot from thereon to lose 2-1. Hence, the national side will be eager for history to not repeat itself this time around.

Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami or Mohammed Siraj? Aakash Chopra names India's No. 1 pacer in Tests

India demolished South Africa on Day 5 of the first Test at SuperSport Park, Centurion on Thursday (December 30) to end the calendar year on a high. The year saw Virat Kohli-led Team India win as many as four Tests in SENA countries, in Brisbane, Lord's, The Oval and Centurion.&nbsp;

Resuming the fifth and final day with Proteas reeling at 94-4, India needed six more wickets to win while defending a competitive 305. Proteas skipper Dean Elgar (77) showed some resistance and the limited-overs captain Temba Bavuma (35 not out) also looked good before the Indian bowlers wrapped up proceedings in style on the final day's second session. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami took three wickets each whereas Mohammed Siraj and R Ashwin claimed two scalps apiece. With this win, India achieved their fourth victory in the purest format in the African nation with two of them coming under Kohli (in a row).&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/updated-wtc-points-table-after-india-beat-south-africa-to-achieve-maiden-win-at-centurion-441207">Updated WTC points table after India beat South Africa to achieve maiden win at Centurion</a>

While Kohli didn't have a great run with the bat, the 33-year-old had a memorable Test as captain by achieving a plethora of records with India's 113-run win in Centurion. The superstar cricketer led India to their maiden Test win at the venue. Before this, India had won a Test in Durban and twice in Johannesburg. He also became the first Asian skipper to win a Test at SA's fortress, i.e. the SuperSpork Park, Centurion (where they were unbeaten since 2014).&nbsp;

In addition, Kohli is now the only Asian captain to lead his side to two Boxing Day Test victories. Earlier, he had led India to victory in the 2018/19 Boxing Day encounter versus Australia at Melbourne Cricket Ground, MCG.&nbsp;

Kohli is also now the first Indian captain to have two wins in the rainbow nation. If India go onto win the second or the third Test in the ongoing series, he will also become the first Indian captain to lead the side to a Test series triumph in the African nation.

After the win, the most proud achievement for Kohli is that he is now the only captain to lead India to&nbsp;4 Test wins outside Asia in a year twice. Earlier, he had achieved this&nbsp;feat in 2018.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-lauds-india-bowlers-after-centurion-test-win-lavishes-huge-praise-on-mohammed-shami-441184">Virat Kohli lauds India bowlers after Centurion Test win, lavishes huge praise on Mohammed Shami</a>

After the match,&nbsp;Kohli was all praise for the team and and lauded the bowling unit. He told the broadcasters at the post-match presentation, "Got off to the perfect start. Have to understand one day was washed out - shows how well we played. It's always a difficult place to play against SA (Centurion). The discipline that the batters showed. Winning the toss, batting first overseas is a tough challenge. Credit to Mayank and KL the way they set it up. We knew we were in pole position with anything over 300-320. Knew the bowlers will do the job. Spoke about it in the change room - the fact he didn't bowl much in the first innings, it allowed SA to get around 40 more runs (Bumrah)." He lavished huge praise on Shami and added, "Just the way these guys bowl together has been a hallmark of our team getting a result in difficult situations. Absolutely world class talent (Shami).&nbsp;For me he's in the best three seamers in the world at the moment. His strong wrist, his seam position and his ability to hit a length consistently. Got so much confidence out of Johannesburg last time. It's a ground we love playing at."

The second and penultimate Test starts on January 3 at The Wanderers, Johannesburg; a venue where India have had most success in the African nation.

India demolished South Africa on Day 5 of the first Test at SuperSport Park, Centurion on Thursday (December 30) to end the calendar year on a high. The year saw Virat Kohli-led Team India win as many as four Tests in SENA countries, in Brisbane, Lord's, The Oval and Centurion.

India demolished South Africa on Day 5 of the first Test at SuperSport Park, Centurion on Thursday (December 30) to end the calendar year on a high. The year saw Virat Kohli-led Team India win as many as four Tests in SENA countries, in Brisbane, Lord's, The Oval and Centurion. Resuming the fifth and final day with Proteas reeling at 94-4, India needed six more wickets to win while defending a competitive 305. Proteas skipper Dean Elgar (77) showed some resistance and the limited-overs captain Temba Bavuma (35 not out) also looked good before the Indian bowlers wrapped up proceedings in style on the final day's second session. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami took three wickets each whereas Mohammed Siraj and R Ashwin claimed two scalps apiece. With this win, India achieved their fourth victory in the purest format in the African nation with two of them coming under Kohli (in a row). ALSO READ | Updated WTC points table after India beat South Africa to achieve maiden win at Centurion While Kohli didn't have a great run with the bat, the 33-year-old had a memorable Test as captain by achieving a plethora of records with India's 113-run win in Centurion. The superstar cricketer led India to their maiden Test win at the venue. Before this, India had won a Test in Durban and twice in Johannesburg. He also became the first Asian skipper to win a Test at SA's fortress, i.e. the SuperSpork Park, Centurion (where they were unbeaten since 2014). In addition, Kohli is now the only Asian captain to lead his side to two Boxing Day Test victories. Earlier, he had led India to victory in the 2018/19 Boxing Day encounter versus Australia at Melbourne Cricket Ground, MCG. Kohli is also now the first Indian captain to have two wins in the rainbow nation. If India go onto win the second or the third Test in the ongoing series, he will also become the first Indian captain to lead the side to a Test series triumph in the African nation. After the win, the most proud achievement for Kohli is that he is now the only captain to lead India to 4 Test wins outside Asia in a year twice. Earlier, he had achieved this feat in 2018. ALSO READ | Virat Kohli lauds India bowlers after Centurion Test win, lavishes huge praise on Mohammed Shami After the match, Kohli was all praise for the team and and lauded the bowling unit. He told the broadcasters at the post-match presentation, "Got off to the perfect start. Have to understand one day was washed out - shows how well we played. It's always a difficult place to play against SA (Centurion). The discipline that the batters showed. Winning the toss, batting first overseas is a tough challenge. Credit to Mayank and KL the way they set it up. We knew we were in pole position with anything over 300-320. Knew the bowlers will do the job. Spoke about it in the change room - the fact he didn't bowl much in the first innings, it allowed SA to get around 40 more runs (Bumrah)." He lavished huge praise on Shami and added, "Just the way these guys bowl together has been a hallmark of our team getting a result in difficult situations. Absolutely world class talent (Shami). For me he's in the best three seamers in the world at the moment. His strong wrist, his seam position and his ability to hit a length consistently. Got so much confidence out of Johannesburg last time. It's a ground we love playing at." The second and penultimate Test starts on January 3 at The Wanderers, Johannesburg; a venue where India have had most success in the African nation.

A look at plethora of records achieved by Virat Kohli as India thrash South Africa in Centurion

India beat South Africa by 113 runs on Day 5 of the first Test at SuperSport Park, Centurion on Thursday (December 30). With this, India ended their glorious year in Tests, winning as many as four Tests in SENA countries (in Brisbane, Lord's, The Oval and Centurion).

Virat Kohli-led India needed 6 more wickets in the final day's play as Proteas resumed from 94-4, in pursuit of a competitive 305. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami ended with three wickets apiece whereas R Ashwin and Mohammed Siraj returned with two wickets each. SA skipper Dean Elgar and limited-overs captain Temba Bavuma (35 not out) were the only two Proteas batters who showed some fight in the middle.&nbsp;

In the first essay, India rode on KL Rahul's 123 to post 327 and gained a whopping 130-run lead by dismissing the home side for a paltry 197 on Day 3, courtesy Shami's five-fer. This became the first-ever win by an Asian side at Centurion and also the first loss for Elgar &amp; Co. at the venue since 2014. After the first Test, here's a look at the ICC World Test Championship points table:

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/1st-test-india-beat-south-africa-by-113-runs-to-go-1-0-up-achieve-maiden-win-at-centurion-441158">1st Test: India beat South Africa by 113 runs to go 1-0 up, achieve maiden win at Centurion</a>

<img alt="WTC Points Table after Ind beat SA" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="64231c6a-eaa8-4d44-8330-271b074a3265" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WTC%20PT_0.PNG" />

After the memorable win, Captain Kohli told at the post-match presentation, "Got off to the perfect start. Have to understand one day was washed out - shows how well we played. It's always a difficult place to play against SA (Centurion). The discipline that the batters showed. Winning the toss, batting first overseas is a tough challenge. Credit to Mayank and KL the way they set it up. We knew we were in pole position with anything over 300-320. Knew the bowlers will do the job. Spoke about it in the change room - the fact he didn't bowl much in the first innings, it allowed SA to get around 40 more runs (Bumrah). Just the way these guys bowl together has been a hallmark of our team getting a result in difficult situations. Absolutely world class talent (Shami).&nbsp;For me he's in the best three seamers in the world at the moment. His strong wrist, his seam position and his ability to hit a length consistently. Got so much confidence out of Johannesburg last time. It's a ground we love playing at.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-lauds-india-bowlers-after-centurion-test-win-lavishes-huge-praise-on-mohammed-shami-441184">Virat Kohli lauds India bowlers after Centurion Test win, lavishes huge praise on Mohammed Shami</a>

India achieved their fourth win overall in the African nation in whites. Out of the four wins, India have won twice (in a row) under current skipper Kohli.&nbsp;

The second and penultimate Test will get underway on January 3 at The Wanderers, Johannesburg.&nbsp;

India beat South Africa by 113 runs on Day 5 of the first Test at SuperSport Park, Centurion on Thursday (December 30). With this, India ended their glorious year in Tests, winning as many as four Tests in SENA countries (in Brisbane, Lord's, The Oval and Centurion).

India beat South Africa by 113 runs on Day 5 of the first Test at SuperSport Park, Centurion on Thursday (December 30). With this, India ended their glorious year in Tests, winning as many as four Tests in SENA countries (in Brisbane, Lord's, The Oval and Centurion). Virat Kohli-led India needed 6 more wickets in the final day's play as Proteas resumed from 94-4, in pursuit of a competitive 305. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami ended with three wickets apiece whereas R Ashwin and Mohammed Siraj returned with two wickets each. SA skipper Dean Elgar and limited-overs captain Temba Bavuma (35 not out) were the only two Proteas batters who showed some fight in the middle. In the first essay, India rode on KL Rahul's 123 to post 327 and gained a whopping 130-run lead by dismissing the home side for a paltry 197 on Day 3, courtesy Shami's five-fer. This became the first-ever win by an Asian side at Centurion and also the first loss for Elgar & Co. at the venue since 2014. After the first Test, here's a look at the ICC World Test Championship points table: ALSO READ | 1st Test: India beat South Africa by 113 runs to go 1-0 up, achieve maiden win at Centurion After the memorable win, Captain Kohli told at the post-match presentation, "Got off to the perfect start. Have to understand one day was washed out - shows how well we played. It's always a difficult place to play against SA (Centurion). The discipline that the batters showed. Winning the toss, batting first overseas is a tough challenge. Credit to Mayank and KL the way they set it up. We knew we were in pole position with anything over 300-320. Knew the bowlers will do the job. Spoke about it in the change room - the fact he didn't bowl much in the first innings, it allowed SA to get around 40 more runs (Bumrah). Just the way these guys bowl together has been a hallmark of our team getting a result in difficult situations. Absolutely world class talent (Shami). For me he's in the best three seamers in the world at the moment. His strong wrist, his seam position and his ability to hit a length consistently. Got so much confidence out of Johannesburg last time. It's a ground we love playing at. ALSO READ | Virat Kohli lauds India bowlers after Centurion Test win, lavishes huge praise on Mohammed Shami India achieved their fourth win overall in the African nation in whites. Out of the four wins, India have won twice (in a row) under current skipper Kohli. The second and penultimate Test will get underway on January 3 at The Wanderers, Johannesburg.

Updated WTC points table after India beat South Africa to achieve maiden win at Centurion