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

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" 
 
😂😂😂😂😂
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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

India wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant achieved an elusive feat in the ongoing second Test against South Africa at The Wanderers in Johannesburg on Tuesday (January 04). Pant etched his name in history books as he became the fourth Indian wicket-keeper to complete hundred catches in Test cricket, joining MS Dhoni in an elite list.

Pant achieved the feat on Day 2 of the second Test as he completed 100 catches after taking Lungi Ngidi's catch which also brought an end to South Africa's second innings. Pant took Ngidi's catch off Shardul Thakur's bowling to reach the 100-catch mark in Test cricket joining Dhoni, Syed Kirmani and Kiran More in the list of Indian keepers with 100 or more catches in Test cricket.

Pant is the 42nd wicket-keeper overall to reach the milestone of 100 catches in Test cricket. Dhoni has the most catches by an Indian wicket-keeper in the longest format with 256 catches to his name. He is followed by Syed Kirmani (160) and Kiran More (110).

Pant now has the 4th highest catches for India in Test cricket and the&nbsp;left-handed keeper has achieved the feat in 26 Tests as he continues his prolific run behind the stumps. Pant has been in fine form as a keeper and has also been brilliant with the bat for India in the last couple of years in the longest format.

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>

Talking about Day 2's play, Shardul Thakur picked up an impressive seven-wicket haul to run through the South African batting line-up in Johannesburg. India bundled out the hosts for 229 runs before posting 85/2 at stumps to take a 58-run lead in their second innings of the second Test.

India will be looking to extend their lead on Day 3 and post a strong target for the hosts as they stand one win away from clinching the three-match Test series.

India wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant achieved an elusive feat in the ongoing second Test against South Africa at The Wanderers in Johannesburg on Tuesday (January 04).

India wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant achieved an elusive feat in the ongoing second Test against South Africa at The Wanderers in Johannesburg on Tuesday (January 04). Pant etched his name in history books as he became the fourth Indian wicket-keeper to complete hundred catches in Test cricket, joining MS Dhoni in an elite list. Pant achieved the feat on Day 2 of the second Test as he completed 100 catches after taking Lungi Ngidi's catch which also brought an end to South Africa's second innings. Pant took Ngidi's catch off Shardul Thakur's bowling to reach the 100-catch mark in Test cricket joining Dhoni, Syed Kirmani and Kiran More in the list of Indian keepers with 100 or more catches in Test cricket. Pant is the 42nd wicket-keeper overall to reach the milestone of 100 catches in Test cricket. Dhoni has the most catches by an Indian wicket-keeper in the longest format with 256 catches to his name. He is followed by Syed Kirmani (160) and Kiran More (110). Pant now has the 4th highest catches for India in Test cricket and the left-handed keeper has achieved the feat in 26 Tests as he continues his prolific run behind the stumps. Pant has been in fine form as a keeper and has also been brilliant with the bat for India in the last couple of years in the longest format. Also Read: 'It's Lord Shardul Thakur vs South Africa': Twitter erupts as Indian pacer bags fifer in Johannesburg Test Talking about Day 2's play, Shardul Thakur picked up an impressive seven-wicket haul to run through the South African batting line-up in Johannesburg. India bundled out the hosts for 229 runs before posting 85/2 at stumps to take a 58-run lead in their second innings of the second Test. India will be looking to extend their lead on Day 3 and post a strong target for the hosts as they stand one win away from clinching the three-match Test series.

Rishabh Pant joins MS Dhoni in elite list with elusive feat in Johannesburg Test against South Africa

Unheralded seam bowler Shardul Thakur turned out to be an unlikely hero with a career-best 7 for 61 to keep India on an even keel against South Africa on an intriguing second day of the second Test here on Tuesday. Standing at 5 feet 7 inches and with a physique that is an antithesis of what is perceived to be a fast bowler's body, the skiddy Thakur (17.5-3-61-7) landed crucial blows at opportune moments to send the Proteas packing for 229 in their first innings.

It was his effort that nullified India's seemingly inadequate first innings score of 202 with the lead being restricted to 27 and then erased by visitors as they reached 85 for 2 at stumps, losing stand-in skipper KL Rahul (8) and Mayank Agarwal's (23) wicket.

The two under-fire seniors Cheteshwar Pujara (35 batting) and Ajinkya Rahane (11 batting) were at the crease and for a change showed lot of positivity and intent. India now lead by 58 runs. Shardul means 'Tiger' in Sanskrit and his teammates teasingly call him 'Lord Beefy' which incidentally is legendary all-rounder Ian Botham's nickname.

The 'Tiger' was in a mood to hunt inside the 'Bull Ring' under sunny the Johannesburg skyline and he did exactly that, coming up with a performance which is over and above what even coach Rahul Dravid would have expected.

On a pitch with spongy, tennis ball like bounce, a total of 180 to 200 will be an onerous fourth innings chase for South Africa as the match is expected to end well within four days if the weather doesn't play spoilsport.

The day started nicely for South Africa as their dogged skipper Dean Elgar (28 off 120 balls) was happy to play the ugly waiting game while allowing his younger colleague Keegan Peterson (62 off 118 balls) to play an attacking role.

It was going well in a stand of 74 as South Africa reached 88 for one before Thakur was brought into the attack in the 34th over as the second change. With Mohammed Siraj bowling from a shorter run-up and not able to exert himself fully due to a hamstring injury, the man from Maharashtra's Palghar district had to take more responsibility with the team virtually one bowler short.

Mohammed Shami (2/52 in 21 overs) and Jasprit Bumrah (1/49 in 21 overs) once again bowled their hearts out, beat the outside edges without much luck before Thakur came into the picture and dealt three blows in quick succession just before lunch. 
 
Thakur, when he burst into the domestic scene, was more of a 135 kmph plus bowler but over the years, he is bowling in the 120-130 kmph band but possesses a mean outswinger and a lethal off-cutter delivered with scrambled seam and grip of a slower delivery.

In case of a scrambled seam, the stitched part of the ball doesn't hit the ground and if the ball's shine is maintained well, which the Indian team did diligently, it lands on the skin (red part) and starts skidding at a pace which is more than what the batters can apprehend.

"Since he has a habit of bowling a lot of off-breaks (slower delivery for pacers with tweak of finger) in limited overs cricket, he is using that skill effectively in Tests also. He might bowl at 130 kmph but with the scrambled seam, he hurries the batter a touch more)," his childhood coach Dinesh Lad told PTI from Mumbai.

The delivery that got Peterson was a conventional outswinger which wasn't at drivable length and the batter went for a non-existent punch through covers only to land in second slip Agarwal's palms. Before that, Peterson's left-handed skipper Elgar got one that moved late taking the outside edge.

Similarly, in the second session, just when Temba Bavuma (51 off 60 balls) and Kyle Verreynne (21) added 58 and looked like heading for a sizeable lead, Thakur produced a fuller one with scrambled seam that landed on the 'fifth off stump' and cut back sharply to trap the young keeper leg before.

In case of Bavuma, the delivery was fired towards his rib cage and was drifting down before Rishabh Pant took an extraordinary catch down the leg-side. He again came back in the final session to wrap up the innings.

Thakur doesn't have the lethal yorker of Bumrah or the top quality skill sets of Shami or the scorching pace of Siraj. But he is more than the sum total of his parts, in this case the skills which make him special. 
 
Out of Shardul's seven wickets, the dismissal of Rassie van der Dussen did create some controversy as TV replays turned out to be inconclusive whether Thakur's off-cutter, that literally had the batter cut into half, was taken cleanly by Pant.

One angle seemed to suggest that it was picked on the bounce and it was learnt that home team captain Elgar visited the match referee's room to have a chat.

In 2011, Mahendra Singh Dhoni in an exemplary show of sportsmanship had called back Ian Bell after the batter was adjudged run-out in the post lunch session.

On Tuesday, with match hanging in balance, no such favours were doled out by the current team.

Unheralded seam bowler Shardul Thakur turned out to be an unlikely hero with a career-best 7 for 61 to keep India on an even keel against South Africa on an intriguing second day of the second Test here on Tuesday.

Unheralded seam bowler Shardul Thakur turned out to be an unlikely hero with a career-best 7 for 61 to keep India on an even keel against South Africa on an intriguing second day of the second Test here on Tuesday. Standing at 5 feet 7 inches and with a physique that is an antithesis of what is perceived to be a fast bowler's body, the skiddy Thakur (17.5-3-61-7) landed crucial blows at opportune moments to send the Proteas packing for 229 in their first innings. It was his effort that nullified India's seemingly inadequate first innings score of 202 with the lead being restricted to 27 and then erased by visitors as they reached 85 for 2 at stumps, losing stand-in skipper KL Rahul (8) and Mayank Agarwal's (23) wicket. The two under-fire seniors Cheteshwar Pujara (35 batting) and Ajinkya Rahane (11 batting) were at the crease and for a change showed lot of positivity and intent. India now lead by 58 runs. Shardul means 'Tiger' in Sanskrit and his teammates teasingly call him 'Lord Beefy' which incidentally is legendary all-rounder Ian Botham's nickname. The 'Tiger' was in a mood to hunt inside the 'Bull Ring' under sunny the Johannesburg skyline and he did exactly that, coming up with a performance which is over and above what even coach Rahul Dravid would have expected. On a pitch with spongy, tennis ball like bounce, a total of 180 to 200 will be an onerous fourth innings chase for South Africa as the match is expected to end well within four days if the weather doesn't play spoilsport. The day started nicely for South Africa as their dogged skipper Dean Elgar (28 off 120 balls) was happy to play the ugly waiting game while allowing his younger colleague Keegan Peterson (62 off 118 balls) to play an attacking role. It was going well in a stand of 74 as South Africa reached 88 for one before Thakur was brought into the attack in the 34th over as the second change. With Mohammed Siraj bowling from a shorter run-up and not able to exert himself fully due to a hamstring injury, the man from Maharashtra's Palghar district had to take more responsibility with the team virtually one bowler short. Mohammed Shami (2/52 in 21 overs) and Jasprit Bumrah (1/49 in 21 overs) once again bowled their hearts out, beat the outside edges without much luck before Thakur came into the picture and dealt three blows in quick succession just before lunch. Thakur, when he burst into the domestic scene, was more of a 135 kmph plus bowler but over the years, he is bowling in the 120-130 kmph band but possesses a mean outswinger and a lethal off-cutter delivered with scrambled seam and grip of a slower delivery. In case of a scrambled seam, the stitched part of the ball doesn't hit the ground and if the ball's shine is maintained well, which the Indian team did diligently, it lands on the skin (red part) and starts skidding at a pace which is more than what the batters can apprehend. "Since he has a habit of bowling a lot of off-breaks (slower delivery for pacers with tweak of finger) in limited overs cricket, he is using that skill effectively in Tests also. He might bowl at 130 kmph but with the scrambled seam, he hurries the batter a touch more)," his childhood coach Dinesh Lad told PTI from Mumbai. The delivery that got Peterson was a conventional outswinger which wasn't at drivable length and the batter went for a non-existent punch through covers only to land in second slip Agarwal's palms. Before that, Peterson's left-handed skipper Elgar got one that moved late taking the outside edge. Similarly, in the second session, just when Temba Bavuma (51 off 60 balls) and Kyle Verreynne (21) added 58 and looked like heading for a sizeable lead, Thakur produced a fuller one with scrambled seam that landed on the 'fifth off stump' and cut back sharply to trap the young keeper leg before. In case of Bavuma, the delivery was fired towards his rib cage and was drifting down before Rishabh Pant took an extraordinary catch down the leg-side. He again came back in the final session to wrap up the innings. Thakur doesn't have the lethal yorker of Bumrah or the top quality skill sets of Shami or the scorching pace of Siraj. But he is more than the sum total of his parts, in this case the skills which make him special. Out of Shardul's seven wickets, the dismissal of Rassie van der Dussen did create some controversy as TV replays turned out to be inconclusive whether Thakur's off-cutter, that literally had the batter cut into half, was taken cleanly by Pant. One angle seemed to suggest that it was picked on the bounce and it was learnt that home team captain Elgar visited the match referee's room to have a chat. In 2011, Mahendra Singh Dhoni in an exemplary show of sportsmanship had called back Ian Bell after the batter was adjudged run-out in the post lunch session. On Tuesday, with match hanging in balance, no such favours were doled out by the current team.

IND vs SA, 2nd Test: Shardul Thakur takes 7-for to bring India back in game, visitors 85/2 at stumps

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

Shardul Thakur bowled a fiery spell on Day 2 of the ongoing second Test between India and South Africa at The Wanderers in Johannesburg as he ran through the Proteas batting line-up with a five-wicket haul. Thakur was exceptional with the ball as he helped India stage a fightback after the visitors had managed only one wicket in the first 38 overs of South Africa's innings.

Thakur drew the first blood for India on Day 2 as he got rid of Dean Elgar on 28 to break the 74-run stand between him and Keegan Petersen. He then dismissed Petersen and Rassie van der Dussen in quick succession to pile on more pressure on the hosts. Thakur completed his fifer with the wickets of Temba Bavuma and Kyle Verreynne.

The exceptional spell from the Indian pacer saw fans come together to laud him on social media. The fans went berserk on Twitter as 'Lord Shardul' as Thakur is famously referred to as by the fans, started trending on the micro-blogging site. Fans shared hilarious messages and memes lauding Thakur, who picked up his maiden Test fifer in South Africa.

Check out some reactions:

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Lord Shardul and team India believe in fair play. That's why Lord never bowls to new batsmen, he's only brought on once there is a partnership and the batsmen are set. Lord still gets them out though <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAvIND</a>
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) <a href="https://twitter.com/WasimJaffer14/status/1478305982803369985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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It has happened. Five-wicket haul. An empty stadium, but I can hear the Gods of cricket clapping and wiping tears. Incredible.
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) <a href="https://twitter.com/FarziCricketer/status/1478340645395648514?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Lord shardul <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsSA</a> <a href="https://t.co/5JL0S3pCYo">pic.twitter.com/5JL0S3pCYo</a>
— 7.0 (@A7pha_) <a href="https://twitter.com/A7pha_/status/1478307337471332352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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It's not India vs SA anymore it's Lord Shardul Thakur vs SA.
— R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) <a href="https://twitter.com/LoyalSachinFan/status/1478341829779021824?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Scientists are researching on how Shardul Thakur after taking 1 wicket takes another. But after researching they realised that he is the Lord. 
 
All Hail Lord Shardul....!!
— Priyanshu Bhattacharya 🏏 (@im_Priyanshu_B7) <a href="https://twitter.com/im_Priyanshu_B7/status/1478304799665885186?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Thakur, who was not part of India's playing XI in the first Test in Centurion, was the pick of the bowlers for the visitors on Day 2 of the second Test. The Indian pacer wreaked havoc with the red cherry as he ran through the Proteas top-order picking up the important wickets of the likes of Van der Dussen, Elgar and Bavuma among others.

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>

It was Thakur's maiden five-wicket haul for India in Tests as he became the sixth Indian bowler to take a fifer at The Wanderers in Johannesburg.&nbsp;Though South Africa have already surpassed India's first-innings total of 202 runs, Thakur's five-wicket haul will help the visitors restrict the hosts on a moderate total to keep a strong grip on the Test match.

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Shardul Thakur bowled a fiery spell on Day 2 of the ongoing second Test between India and South Africa at The Wanderers in Johannesburg as he ran through the Proteas batting line-up with a five-wicket haul.

Shardul Thakur bowled a fiery spell on Day 2 of the ongoing second Test between India and South Africa at The Wanderers in Johannesburg as he ran through the Proteas batting line-up with a five-wicket haul. Thakur was exceptional with the ball as he helped India stage a fightback after the visitors had managed only one wicket in the first 38 overs of South Africa's innings. Thakur drew the first blood for India on Day 2 as he got rid of Dean Elgar on 28 to break the 74-run stand between him and Keegan Petersen. He then dismissed Petersen and Rassie van der Dussen in quick succession to pile on more pressure on the hosts. Thakur completed his fifer with the wickets of Temba Bavuma and Kyle Verreynne. The exceptional spell from the Indian pacer saw fans come together to laud him on social media. The fans went berserk on Twitter as 'Lord Shardul' as Thakur is famously referred to as by the fans, started trending on the micro-blogging site. Fans shared hilarious messages and memes lauding Thakur, who picked up his maiden Test fifer in South Africa. Check out some reactions: Lord Shardul and team India believe in fair play. That's why Lord never bowls to new batsmen, he's only brought on once there is a partnership and the batsmen are set. Lord still gets them out though #SAvIND — Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) January 4, 2022 × It has happened. Five-wicket haul. An empty stadium, but I can hear the Gods of cricket clapping and wiping tears. Incredible. — Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) January 4, 2022 × Lord shardul #INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/5JL0S3pCYo — 7.0 (@A7pha_) January 4, 2022 × It's not India vs SA anymore it's Lord Shardul Thakur vs SA. — R A T N I S H (@LoyalSachinFan) January 4, 2022 × Scientists are researching on how Shardul Thakur after taking 1 wicket takes another. But after researching they realised that he is the Lord. All Hail Lord Shardul....!! — Priyanshu Bhattacharya 🏏 (@im_Priyanshu_B7) January 4, 2022 × Thakur, who was not part of India's playing XI in the first Test in Centurion, was the pick of the bowlers for the visitors on Day 2 of the second Test. The Indian pacer wreaked havoc with the red cherry as he ran through the Proteas top-order picking up the important wickets of the likes of Van der Dussen, Elgar and Bavuma among others. Also Read: Out or not out? Rassie van der Dussen's dismissal in 2nd Test against India sparks controversy - WATCH It was Thakur's maiden five-wicket haul for India in Tests as he became the sixth Indian bowler to take a fifer at The Wanderers in Johannesburg. Though South Africa have already surpassed India's first-innings total of 202 runs, Thakur's five-wicket haul will help the visitors restrict the hosts on a moderate total to keep a strong grip on the Test match.

'It's Lord Shardul Thakur vs South Africa': Twitter erupts as Indian pacer bags fifer in Johannesburg Test

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

South Africa batter Rassie van der Dussen was dismissed controversially on Day 2 of the ongoing second Test against India at The Wanderers in Johannesburg on Tuesday. Van der Dussen was caught behind by Indian wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant off the bowling of Shardul Thakur during the Proteas' first innings.

The dismissal took place in the final over before lunch on Day 2 as Thakur bowled a short delivery that beat Van der Dussen's defence and flew towards Pant after taking a thick edge off his bat. Umpire Marais Erasmus gave it out as the right-hander walked back to the dressing room.

However, a controversy erupted on social media as the replays later showed Pant had not taken the catch cleanly behind the stumps. In the replays, it can be spotted that the ball had touched the ground before landing in Pant's gloves after taking an edge of Van der Dussen's bat.

South Africa captain Dean Elgar and team manager &nbsp;Khomotso Masubelele reportedly had a chat with the umpires during the lunch break to discuss the controversial dismissal. However, Erasmus's decision stayed despite the replays suggesting that the ball had touched the ground before Pant caught it.

Watch video:

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Out or not out ?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsSA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CricketTwitter?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CricketTwitter</a> <a href="https://t.co/tb8sdMv8Us">pic.twitter.com/tb8sdMv8Us</a>
— Pet chowmings (@virat_fc_) <a href="https://twitter.com/virat_fc_/status/1478323782892744709?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/review-for-bat-before-wicket-dinesh-karthik-trolls-bangladesh-for-worst-drs-call-against-nz-watch-442166">Review for bat before wicket? Dinesh Karthik trolls Bangladesh for 'worst' DRS call against NZ - WATCH</a>

Thakur was the pick of the bowlers for India on Day 4 as he bowled brilliantly in the first two sessions. The seamer picked up the wickets of South Africa skipper Dean Elgar, Keegan Petersen, Van der Dussen and Kyle Varreynne to help India stay in the game despite a low-key first-innings total of 202 runs.

India will be hoping to bundle out South Africa as early as possible to ensure the hosts cannot gain a significant lead in their first innings.&nbsp;

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South Africa batter Rassie van der Dussen was dismissed controversially on Day 2 of the ongoing second Test against India at The Wanderers in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

South Africa batter Rassie van der Dussen was dismissed controversially on Day 2 of the ongoing second Test against India at The Wanderers in Johannesburg on Tuesday. Van der Dussen was caught behind by Indian wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant off the bowling of Shardul Thakur during the Proteas' first innings. The dismissal took place in the final over before lunch on Day 2 as Thakur bowled a short delivery that beat Van der Dussen's defence and flew towards Pant after taking a thick edge off his bat. Umpire Marais Erasmus gave it out as the right-hander walked back to the dressing room. However, a controversy erupted on social media as the replays later showed Pant had not taken the catch cleanly behind the stumps. In the replays, it can be spotted that the ball had touched the ground before landing in Pant's gloves after taking an edge of Van der Dussen's bat. South Africa captain Dean Elgar and team manager Khomotso Masubelele reportedly had a chat with the umpires during the lunch break to discuss the controversial dismissal. However, Erasmus's decision stayed despite the replays suggesting that the ball had touched the ground before Pant caught it. Watch video: Out or not out ?#INDvsSA #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/tb8sdMv8Us — Pet chowmings (@virat_fc_) January 4, 2022 × Also Read: Review for bat before wicket? Dinesh Karthik trolls Bangladesh for 'worst' DRS call against NZ - WATCH Thakur was the pick of the bowlers for India on Day 4 as he bowled brilliantly in the first two sessions. The seamer picked up the wickets of South Africa skipper Dean Elgar, Keegan Petersen, Van der Dussen and Kyle Varreynne to help India stay in the game despite a low-key first-innings total of 202 runs. India will be hoping to bundle out South Africa as early as possible to ensure the hosts cannot gain a significant lead in their first innings.

Out or not out? Rassie van der Dussen's dismissal in 2nd Test against India sparks controversy - WATCH

Senior India off-spinner R Ashwin provided an update on pacer Mohammed Siraj's injury after the end of Day 1's play of the onging second Test between India and South Africa at The Wanderers in Johannesburg. Ashwin revealed the medical team is currently assessing the fast bowler's injury it remains uncertain whether he will take the field on Day 2 or not.

Siraj pulled his hamstring while bowling the final delivery of the fourth over during South Africa's first innings in Johannesburg. He was seen in immense pain and looked in discomfort during his bowling run-up. He was immediately attended to by the physio on the field before hobbling off the ground.

Siraj's injury will be assessed overnight to determine if he will be fit to bowl on Day 2. Ashwin is hopeful of Siraj recovering quickly from the hamstring injury and giving his best for the visitors.

"I asked before going if I could talk about it. Medical staff are assessing him overnight. I am hoping with the history of Siraj that he can come out and give his best," Ashwin told reporters post stumps on Day 1.

India were bundled out for 202 runs in their first innings as the middle-order failed to dliver yet again with the likes of Ajinkya Rahane (0) and Cheteshwar Pujara (3) disappointing. Captain KL Rahul led from the front in Virat Kohli's absence with a gritty 50 off 133 balls.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/herschelle-gibbs-takes-a-brutal-dig-at-south-africa-pacers-for-poor-start-against-india-in-johannesburg-test-442052">Herschelle Gibbs takes a brutal dig at South Africa pacers for poor start against India in Johannesburg Test</a>

R Ashwin also played a crucial knock of 46 runs off 50 balls to help India post 202 runs on the board. In reply, South Africa lost just one wicket as they managed to reach 35/1 at stumps on Day 1. The Proteas lost Aiden Markram cheaply on 7 off 12 balls while&nbsp;captain Dean Elgar and Keegan Petersen remained unbeaten on 11 and 14 respectively.

India will be looking to bowl out South Africa quickly on Day 2 to ensure the hosts do not gain a major lead in their first innings.

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Senior India off-spinner R Ashwin provided an update on pacer Mohammed Siraj's injury after the end of Day 1's play of the onging second Test between India and South Africa at The Wanderers in Johannesburg.

Senior India off-spinner R Ashwin provided an update on pacer Mohammed Siraj's injury after the end of Day 1's play of the onging second Test between India and South Africa at The Wanderers in Johannesburg. Ashwin revealed the medical team is currently assessing the fast bowler's injury it remains uncertain whether he will take the field on Day 2 or not. Siraj pulled his hamstring while bowling the final delivery of the fourth over during South Africa's first innings in Johannesburg. He was seen in immense pain and looked in discomfort during his bowling run-up. He was immediately attended to by the physio on the field before hobbling off the ground. Siraj's injury will be assessed overnight to determine if he will be fit to bowl on Day 2. Ashwin is hopeful of Siraj recovering quickly from the hamstring injury and giving his best for the visitors. "I asked before going if I could talk about it. Medical staff are assessing him overnight. I am hoping with the history of Siraj that he can come out and give his best," Ashwin told reporters post stumps on Day 1. India were bundled out for 202 runs in their first innings as the middle-order failed to dliver yet again with the likes of Ajinkya Rahane (0) and Cheteshwar Pujara (3) disappointing. Captain KL Rahul led from the front in Virat Kohli's absence with a gritty 50 off 133 balls. Also Read: Herschelle Gibbs takes a brutal dig at South Africa pacers for poor start against India in Johannesburg Test R Ashwin also played a crucial knock of 46 runs off 50 balls to help India post 202 runs on the board. In reply, South Africa lost just one wicket as they managed to reach 35/1 at stumps on Day 1. The Proteas lost Aiden Markram cheaply on 7 off 12 balls while captain Dean Elgar and Keegan Petersen remained unbeaten on 11 and 14 respectively. India will be looking to bowl out South Africa quickly on Day 2 to ensure the hosts do not gain a major lead in their first innings.

R Ashwin provides update on Mohammed Siraj's injury as pacer hobbles off the pitch during 2nd Test vs SA

Former South Africa star Herschelle Gibbs took a brutal dig at the Proteas fast bowlers during Day 1 of the ongoing second Test between the hosts and India at The Wanderers in Johannesburg on Monday. Gibbs criticised the Proteas fast bowlers for failing to generate much pace during the start of India's innings on Day 1.

Kagiso Rabada and Duanne Olivier opened the bowling for South Africa as India won the toss and opted to bat first in the game. Rabada and Olivier failed to trouble the Indian openers - KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal at the start of the visitors' innings before Marco Jansen got rid of Mayank Agarwal on 26 off 37 balls.

Gibbs took to Twitter to take a dig at the South African pacers, stating how they were even failing to clock 135km on average while commentator Pommie Mbangwa was stressing on air for the South Africans to build pressure on the Indian batters.

"Both opening bowlers for proteas not even hitting 135km on average and Pommy talking about imposing yourself," Gibbs wrote in a tweet.

While South African pacers didn't get off to a good start, they bounced back brilliantly in the latter part of the day. After Agarwal's departure on 26 off 37 balls, India lost Cheteshwar Pujara (3) and Ajinkya Rahane (0) in quick succession while Hanuma Vihari (17) and Rishabh Pant (17) were also dismissed cheaply.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rahane-pujaras-flop-show-continues-as-indian-middle-order-disappoints-again-in-2nd-test-against-sa-442049">Rahane, Pujara's flop show continues as Indian middle-order disappoints again in 2nd Test against SA</a>

R Ashwin slammed a crucial knock of 46 runs off 50 balls to help India cross the 200-run mark and post a total of 202 runs on the board.&nbsp;South Africa lost opener Aiden Markram cheaply on 7 runs before Dean Elgar (11) and Keegan Petersen (14) added an unbeaten 21 runs for the second wicket.

South Africa posted 35/1 at stumps on Day 1 and are trailing by 167 runs.

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Former South Africa star Herschelle Gibbs took a brutal dig at the Proteas fast bowlers during Day 1 of the ongoing second Test between the hosts and India at The Wanderers in Johannesburg on Monday.

Former South Africa star Herschelle Gibbs took a brutal dig at the Proteas fast bowlers during Day 1 of the ongoing second Test between the hosts and India at The Wanderers in Johannesburg on Monday. Gibbs criticised the Proteas fast bowlers for failing to generate much pace during the start of India's innings on Day 1. Kagiso Rabada and Duanne Olivier opened the bowling for South Africa as India won the toss and opted to bat first in the game. Rabada and Olivier failed to trouble the Indian openers - KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal at the start of the visitors' innings before Marco Jansen got rid of Mayank Agarwal on 26 off 37 balls. Gibbs took to Twitter to take a dig at the South African pacers, stating how they were even failing to clock 135km on average while commentator Pommie Mbangwa was stressing on air for the South Africans to build pressure on the Indian batters. "Both opening bowlers for proteas not even hitting 135km on average and Pommy talking about imposing yourself," Gibbs wrote in a tweet. While South African pacers didn't get off to a good start, they bounced back brilliantly in the latter part of the day. After Agarwal's departure on 26 off 37 balls, India lost Cheteshwar Pujara (3) and Ajinkya Rahane (0) in quick succession while Hanuma Vihari (17) and Rishabh Pant (17) were also dismissed cheaply. Also Read: Rahane, Pujara's flop show continues as Indian middle-order disappoints again in 2nd Test against SA R Ashwin slammed a crucial knock of 46 runs off 50 balls to help India cross the 200-run mark and post a total of 202 runs on the board. South Africa lost opener Aiden Markram cheaply on 7 runs before Dean Elgar (11) and Keegan Petersen (14) added an unbeaten 21 runs for the second wicket. South Africa posted 35/1 at stumps on Day 1 and are trailing by 167 runs.

Herschelle Gibbs takes a brutal dig at South Africa pacers for poor start against India in Johannesburg Test

Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane's saga of failures compounded a shoddy batting performance by India even as stand-in skipper KL Rahul impressed with a defiant show amid the ruins on the opening day of the second Test against South Africa here on Monday.

Rahul's patient 50-run knock on a day when India missed Virat Kohli due to back spasms and Ravichandran Ashwin's cavalier 46 at the rear end ensured that India scored 202 in their first innings on a bouncy Wanderers track.

At stumps, Mohammed Shami sent back Aiden Markram even as Dean Elgar (11 batting) and Keegan Peterson (14 batting) took South Africa to 35 for 1. It could have been two down had Rishabh Pant snapped Peterson off Jasprit Bumrah, which seemed a regulation catch.

Worse, Mohammed Siraj hobbled off with what looked like a hamstring strain and if it's bad news, then India would be left with four bowlers.

However, a lot of blame should go to India's batters as some like Pujara didn't show intent to score while others like Rahane seemed completely short of confidence.

It prompted the legendary Sunil Gavaskar to say it as it is on air, "I think the next innings will be their last chance." 
Having given up hopes to play for England, Duanne Olivier (3/67 in 17 overs), playing his first game for South Africa in three years, dismissed Pujara (3 off 33 balls) and Rahane (0) off successive deliveries to make it difficult for the Indians.

Marco Jansen (4/31 in 17 overs), with his giant frame, created awkward lengths for every Indian batter while Kagiso Rabada (3/64 in 17.1 overs), despite not being at his best, got wickets when it mattered.

In his first game as captain, Rahul concentrated hard as he played 133 deliveries. He was peppered with short balls. He would sway to some and duck the others while pulling the ones that he could.

His back-foot driving was majestic and he rode the bounce while going for the flashy cut shots. Such is beauty of sport that Rahul, who till five months ago wasn't supposed to start as an opener in England, is now being groomed as an all-format India captain.

If the first day composure is any indication, he won't do a bad job. But then there was a moment's indiscretion when he played one pull shot too many and holed out in the fine leg region.

Prior to that shot, the occasional pull that he played, Rahul rolled his bat over and tried to keep it down the ground but in this case, he got under the Jansen short ball and didn't get the required elevation.

He had a nice little partnership of 42 runs with Hanuma Vihari (20) before an inspirational close-in catch from Rassie Van der Dussen at short leg sent the latter back.

Rishabh Pant (17) and an attacking Ashwin (24 batting 21 balls) added 40 in quick time but what India needed was a partnership of at least 75 if not 100.

At the start, Mayank Agarwal (26) looked fluent in the first hour with five boundaries before Jansen pitched one in the spot from where it wasn't on drivable length as it climbed on. The opener went for a drive only to edge that to wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne.

Rahul, on his part, survived strong caught behind and leg before appeals which were negated by debutant umpire Allahudien Palekar, someone who impressed on debut.

But what would disappoint Pujara and Rahane most is that on a day when they should have taken more responsibility in Kohli's absence, they couldn't even inject a sense of positivity in India's approach.

The manner in which Pujara hopped and skipped to rising deliveries actually would have made the dressing room feel jittery about demons in the pitch which wasn't the case. But there was definitely seam and bounce which one expects here in South Africa.

He once again got into a shell and was very uncomfortable against steep bounce which finally became his undoing. 
Olivier's natural back of length deliveries were perfect recipe for disaster as he fended one that was wide of the short leg fielder but the next one lobbed up to the man at point for an easy catch.

Rahane's dismissal was that of a player, whose confidence has been torn to pieces. The ball pitched on the fourth stump channel, created indecision on whether to play or not and Rahane dangled his bat for the catch to be taken in the slips.

This match will certainly not last the distance and if they can't make a difference in the second innings, the enormous patience that the Indian team management has shown towards them will definitely start wearing thin.&nbsp;

Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane's saga of failures compounded a shoddy batting performance by India even as stand-in skipper KL Rahul impressed with a defiant show amid the ruins on the opening day of the second Test against South Africa here on Monday.

Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane's saga of failures compounded a shoddy batting performance by India even as stand-in skipper KL Rahul impressed with a defiant show amid the ruins on the opening day of the second Test against South Africa here on Monday. Rahul's patient 50-run knock on a day when India missed Virat Kohli due to back spasms and Ravichandran Ashwin's cavalier 46 at the rear end ensured that India scored 202 in their first innings on a bouncy Wanderers track. At stumps, Mohammed Shami sent back Aiden Markram even as Dean Elgar (11 batting) and Keegan Peterson (14 batting) took South Africa to 35 for 1. It could have been two down had Rishabh Pant snapped Peterson off Jasprit Bumrah, which seemed a regulation catch. Worse, Mohammed Siraj hobbled off with what looked like a hamstring strain and if it's bad news, then India would be left with four bowlers. However, a lot of blame should go to India's batters as some like Pujara didn't show intent to score while others like Rahane seemed completely short of confidence. It prompted the legendary Sunil Gavaskar to say it as it is on air, "I think the next innings will be their last chance." Having given up hopes to play for England, Duanne Olivier (3/67 in 17 overs), playing his first game for South Africa in three years, dismissed Pujara (3 off 33 balls) and Rahane (0) off successive deliveries to make it difficult for the Indians. Marco Jansen (4/31 in 17 overs), with his giant frame, created awkward lengths for every Indian batter while Kagiso Rabada (3/64 in 17.1 overs), despite not being at his best, got wickets when it mattered. In his first game as captain, Rahul concentrated hard as he played 133 deliveries. He was peppered with short balls. He would sway to some and duck the others while pulling the ones that he could. His back-foot driving was majestic and he rode the bounce while going for the flashy cut shots. Such is beauty of sport that Rahul, who till five months ago wasn't supposed to start as an opener in England, is now being groomed as an all-format India captain. If the first day composure is any indication, he won't do a bad job. But then there was a moment's indiscretion when he played one pull shot too many and holed out in the fine leg region. Prior to that shot, the occasional pull that he played, Rahul rolled his bat over and tried to keep it down the ground but in this case, he got under the Jansen short ball and didn't get the required elevation. He had a nice little partnership of 42 runs with Hanuma Vihari (20) before an inspirational close-in catch from Rassie Van der Dussen at short leg sent the latter back. Rishabh Pant (17) and an attacking Ashwin (24 batting 21 balls) added 40 in quick time but what India needed was a partnership of at least 75 if not 100. At the start, Mayank Agarwal (26) looked fluent in the first hour with five boundaries before Jansen pitched one in the spot from where it wasn't on drivable length as it climbed on. The opener went for a drive only to edge that to wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne. Rahul, on his part, survived strong caught behind and leg before appeals which were negated by debutant umpire Allahudien Palekar, someone who impressed on debut. But what would disappoint Pujara and Rahane most is that on a day when they should have taken more responsibility in Kohli's absence, they couldn't even inject a sense of positivity in India's approach. The manner in which Pujara hopped and skipped to rising deliveries actually would have made the dressing room feel jittery about demons in the pitch which wasn't the case. But there was definitely seam and bounce which one expects here in South Africa. He once again got into a shell and was very uncomfortable against steep bounce which finally became his undoing. Olivier's natural back of length deliveries were perfect recipe for disaster as he fended one that was wide of the short leg fielder but the next one lobbed up to the man at point for an easy catch. Rahane's dismissal was that of a player, whose confidence has been torn to pieces. The ball pitched on the fourth stump channel, created indecision on whether to play or not and Rahane dangled his bat for the catch to be taken in the slips. This match will certainly not last the distance and if they can't make a difference in the second innings, the enormous patience that the Indian team management has shown towards them will definitely start wearing thin.

Rahane, Pujara's flop show continues as Indian middle-order disappoints again in 2nd Test against SA

Hanuma Vihari was sent packing after a stunning catch from Rassie van der Dussen in the ongoing second Test between India and South Africa at The Wanderers in Johannesburg. Vihari was going strong in the middle and had settled down well before edging one from Kagiso Rabada for Van der Dussen to take an absolute blinder.

The dismissal took place in the 39th over of India's innings when Vihari was batting on 20. Rabada bowled a quick short ball at the right-hander, who tried to defend it but ended up playing it towards Van der Dussen, who was stationed at short leg.

Van der Dussen was quick to fly towards his left and grab a one-handed stunner to send Vihari back in the hut. The South African fielder's effort left everyone, including the commentators in awe.

Watch video:

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That <a href="https://twitter.com/Rassie72?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Rassie72</a> catch <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAvIND</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FreedomTestSeries?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FreedomTestSeries</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BetwayTestSeries?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BetwayTestSeries</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BePartOfIt?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BePartOfIt</a> <a href="https://t.co/TKXjau1YkZ">pic.twitter.com/TKXjau1YkZ</a>
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialCSA/status/1477971475105779715?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 3, 2022</a></blockquote>
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Vihari returned to India's playing XI for the second Test after missing the first Test where he had failed to make the cut. He was dropped by Temba Bavuma on 9 and went to score 20 off 53 deliveries. He added a 42-run stand for the 4th wicket with skipper KL Rahul, who notched up a gritty fifty to help India recover after losing quick wickets in the middle.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-en-route-to-becoming-one-of-the-great-teams-on-earth-ex-aussie-spinner-hails-virat-kohli-co-441991">India en route to becoming one of the great teams on earth: Ex-Aussie spinner hails Virat Kohli &amp; Co.</a>

Openers Rahul and Mayank Agarwal (26) added 36 runs for the first wicket before Agarwal was removed by Marco Jansen. Cheteshwar Pujara (3) and Ajinkya Rahane (0) then departed in quick succession as the duo continued their lean patch. Vihari and Rahul then steadied the ship for India before the visitors lost wickets in a cluster once again.

R Ashwin is currently batting on 44 and is inching towards a well-deserved half-century as India look to close in on the 200-run mark in their first innings of the second Test.

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Hanuma Vihari was sent packing after a stunning catch from Rassie van der Dussen in the ongoing second Test between India and South Africa at The Wanderers in Johannesburg.

Hanuma Vihari was sent packing after a stunning catch from Rassie van der Dussen in the ongoing second Test between India and South Africa at The Wanderers in Johannesburg. Vihari was going strong in the middle and had settled down well before edging one from Kagiso Rabada for Van der Dussen to take an absolute blinder. The dismissal took place in the 39th over of India's innings when Vihari was batting on 20. Rabada bowled a quick short ball at the right-hander, who tried to defend it but ended up playing it towards Van der Dussen, who was stationed at short leg. Van der Dussen was quick to fly towards his left and grab a one-handed stunner to send Vihari back in the hut. The South African fielder's effort left everyone, including the commentators in awe. Watch video: That @Rassie72 catch #SAvIND #FreedomTestSeries #BetwayTestSeries #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/TKXjau1YkZ — Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) January 3, 2022 × Vihari returned to India's playing XI for the second Test after missing the first Test where he had failed to make the cut. He was dropped by Temba Bavuma on 9 and went to score 20 off 53 deliveries. He added a 42-run stand for the 4th wicket with skipper KL Rahul, who notched up a gritty fifty to help India recover after losing quick wickets in the middle. Also Read: India en route to becoming one of the great teams on earth: Ex-Aussie spinner hails Virat Kohli & Co. Openers Rahul and Mayank Agarwal (26) added 36 runs for the first wicket before Agarwal was removed by Marco Jansen. Cheteshwar Pujara (3) and Ajinkya Rahane (0) then departed in quick succession as the duo continued their lean patch. Vihari and Rahul then steadied the ship for India before the visitors lost wickets in a cluster once again. R Ashwin is currently batting on 44 and is inching towards a well-deserved half-century as India look to close in on the 200-run mark in their first innings of the second Test.

IND vs SA: Rassie van der Dussen takes a blinder to send Hanuma Vihari packing in Johannesburg Test - WATCH

Virat Kohli-led India got off to a brilliant start in the ongoing Test series against South Africa as they got the better of Proteas by 113 runs in the series-opener in Centurion. It was India's only 4th Test win in South Africa, as they desperately aim for their maiden Test series win against the Proteas in their own backyard.

India are just one win away from sealing the series and script history by winning their maiden Test series in the country. However, it is not going to be an easy task for the visitors, who are missing skipper Virat Kohli in the ongoing second Test between the two nations in Johannesburg.

Nonetheless, India's superb victory in the first Test has set them up on the path towards greatness as they stand closer than ever to win their first Test series in South Africa. Former Australia spinner Brad Hogg believes the current Indian team is one of the best in the world at present and will be labelled as one of the great teams to have been on earth if they manage to beat South Africa in the ongoing series.

"India just won in South Africa in the Boxing Day Test, if India win one out of the remaining two Test matches, they are definitely the best team in the world at the moment. India are going to be labeled as one of the great teams that have been on Earth. Like Australia in the 2000s and West Indies in the late 70s and early 80s," Hogg said while speaking in a video on his YouTube channel.

Last year, India had continued their overseas dominance in England after winning their second straight Test series on Australian soil. India were leading 2-1 in the five-match series against England before the final Test in Manchester was called off due to COVID-19.

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 Gavaskar as duo fail again</a>

India could have easily wrapped up the series in their favour and defeated England in their own backyard had the last game not been postponed. Citing India's impressive performances overseas, Hogg said their domination while travelling makes India one of the most successful Test teams ever.

"India are the best team because they are dominating when they travel. They annihilated England on English soil. They should have had that series against England done and dusted being 3-1 up. England had no answers for them. England were too worried about The Hundred competition, getting the big stars to play there," said the former Australia spinner.

"Well, we're in different times, there's a pandemic, you have to adjust and be hospitable to the visitors. If that Test match does not get rescheduled, I don't think anyone should worry about it because it was completely England's fault," Hogg added.

Virat Kohli-led India got off to a brilliant start in the ongoing Test series against South Africa as they got the better of Proteas by 113 runs in the series-opener in Centurion.

Virat Kohli-led India got off to a brilliant start in the ongoing Test series against South Africa as they got the better of Proteas by 113 runs in the series-opener in Centurion. It was India's only 4th Test win in South Africa, as they desperately aim for their maiden Test series win against the Proteas in their own backyard. India are just one win away from sealing the series and script history by winning their maiden Test series in the country. However, it is not going to be an easy task for the visitors, who are missing skipper Virat Kohli in the ongoing second Test between the two nations in Johannesburg. Nonetheless, India's superb victory in the first Test has set them up on the path towards greatness as they stand closer than ever to win their first Test series in South Africa. Former Australia spinner Brad Hogg believes the current Indian team is one of the best in the world at present and will be labelled as one of the great teams to have been on earth if they manage to beat South Africa in the ongoing series. "India just won in South Africa in the Boxing Day Test, if India win one out of the remaining two Test matches, they are definitely the best team in the world at the moment. India are going to be labeled as one of the great teams that have been on Earth. Like Australia in the 2000s and West Indies in the late 70s and early 80s," Hogg said while speaking in a video on his YouTube channel. Last year, India had continued their overseas dominance in England after winning their second straight Test series on Australian soil. India were leading 2-1 in the five-match series against England before the final Test in Manchester was called off due to COVID-19. Also Read: Pujara and Rahane have just the next innings to save their Test careers, says Gavaskar as duo fail again India could have easily wrapped up the series in their favour and defeated England in their own backyard had the last game not been postponed. Citing India's impressive performances overseas, Hogg said their domination while travelling makes India one of the most successful Test teams ever. "India are the best team because they are dominating when they travel. They annihilated England on English soil. They should have had that series against England done and dusted being 3-1 up. England had no answers for them. England were too worried about The Hundred competition, getting the big stars to play there," said the former Australia spinner. "Well, we're in different times, there's a pandemic, you have to adjust and be hospitable to the visitors. If that Test match does not get rescheduled, I don't think anyone should worry about it because it was completely England's fault," Hogg added.

India en route to becoming one of the great teams on earth: Ex-Aussie spinner hails Virat Kohli &  Co.

Former India captain and batting legend Sunil Gavaskar believes both Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane have only one more innings to save their respective Test careers. Pujara and Rahane were both dismissed cheaply once again in the ongoing second Test between India and South Africa at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on Monday.

Pujara and Rahanve have both been under fire for quite some time now over their long-standing rough patch with the willow. Despite their inconsistent run, the senior batters have been constantly backed by the team management. However, their time might be running out with an intense competition for spots in the batting line-up.

The likes of Shreyas Iyer, Shubman Gill among others are waiting in the wings as both Rahane and Pujara continue to underperform.&nbsp;On Monday, Pujara was dismissed on just 3 runs after facing 33 balls as he ended up getting caught by Temba Bavuma against Duanne Olivier.

The South African pacer then went on o remove Rahane on a duck on the very next delivery.&nbsp;With two consecutive wickets on two deliveries, India were left reeling at 49/3 after the duo's dismissal. Reacting to another failure from Rahane and Pujara, Gavaskar said the senior batters have only the next innings of the ongoing&nbsp;Johannesburg Test to save their Test careers.

"After those two dismissals one can say that they probably have just the next innings, both Pujara and Rahane, to save their Test careers," said Gavaskar on-air while commentating during Day 1 of the second Test.

"There have been questions asked about their place in the team and now with these two dismissals, they have just one innings left. If there is another innings and the way India is going, it looks like there will be another for them to score something and maybe keep their place in the team," the batting great added.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/despite-virat-kohlis-absence-heres-why-india-are-favourites-against-south-africa-in-johannesburg-test-441958">Despite Virat Kohli's absence, here's why India are favourites against South Africa in Johannesburg Test&nbsp;</a>

Openers Mayank Agarwal (26) and captain KL Rahul had given a good start to India in their first innings of the Johannesburg Test. However, the visitors lost the momentum after losing Mayank in the 15th over. His departure was followed by Pujara and Rahane's dismissal in quick succession.

However, captain Rahul is still out in the middle and has displayed amazing gritiness so far in his innings and is still unbeaten in the middle to help India recover from the middle-order collapse.

Former India captain and batting legend Sunil Gavaskar believes both Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane have only one more innings to save their respective Test careers.

Former India captain and batting legend Sunil Gavaskar believes both Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane have only one more innings to save their respective Test careers. Pujara and Rahane were both dismissed cheaply once again in the ongoing second Test between India and South Africa at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on Monday. Pujara and Rahanve have both been under fire for quite some time now over their long-standing rough patch with the willow. Despite their inconsistent run, the senior batters have been constantly backed by the team management. However, their time might be running out with an intense competition for spots in the batting line-up. The likes of Shreyas Iyer, Shubman Gill among others are waiting in the wings as both Rahane and Pujara continue to underperform. On Monday, Pujara was dismissed on just 3 runs after facing 33 balls as he ended up getting caught by Temba Bavuma against Duanne Olivier. The South African pacer then went on o remove Rahane on a duck on the very next delivery. With two consecutive wickets on two deliveries, India were left reeling at 49/3 after the duo's dismissal. Reacting to another failure from Rahane and Pujara, Gavaskar said the senior batters have only the next innings of the ongoing Johannesburg Test to save their Test careers. "After those two dismissals one can say that they probably have just the next innings, both Pujara and Rahane, to save their Test careers," said Gavaskar on-air while commentating during Day 1 of the second Test. "There have been questions asked about their place in the team and now with these two dismissals, they have just one innings left. If there is another innings and the way India is going, it looks like there will be another for them to score something and maybe keep their place in the team," the batting great added. Also Read: Despite Virat Kohli's absence, here's why India are favourites against South Africa in Johannesburg Test Openers Mayank Agarwal (26) and captain KL Rahul had given a good start to India in their first innings of the Johannesburg Test. However, the visitors lost the momentum after losing Mayank in the 15th over. His departure was followed by Pujara and Rahane's dismissal in quick succession. However, captain Rahul is still out in the middle and has displayed amazing gritiness so far in his innings and is still unbeaten in the middle to help India recover from the middle-order collapse.

Pujara and Rahane have just the next innings to save their Test careers, says Sunil Gavaskar as duo fail again

India are without their talismanic captain Virat Kohli in the ongoing second Test against South Africa at The Wanderers in Johannesburg. After a brilliant start to the three-match series with a thumping victory in the series-opener in Centurion, the Indian team would be looking to continue their winning run in Johannesburg and clinch the series with back-to-back wins.

However, Kohli's absence is a major blow for the visitors as the skipper not only led his troops to perfection on the field but was also looking to return to form with the willow. In his absence, KL Rahul is leading India in the second Test against the Proteas.&nbsp;

As India look to pull off a rare Test series win in South Africa this time around, Kohli's absence has come as a big hurdle on their way to glory. Nonetheless, it's the visitors, who are the favourites against hosts South Africa at the Wanderers in&nbsp;Johannesburg.

India have not enjoyed much success when it comes to Tests in South Africa with just four wins so far against the Proteas in their own backyard. India have also never won a Test series in the Rainbow nation but have a great chance this time around with a 1-0 lead.

India unbeaten in&nbsp;Johannesburg

Despite India possessing a woeful record in South Africa overall, the visitors have been unbeaten in Johannesburg over the years. India have never lost a Test match at the Wanderers and have a phenomenal record at the venue. India have so far played five Tests in Johannesburg, winning two and drawing three matches.

India's record at the venue, which has assisted fast bowlers heavily over the years, proves why they are favourites against South Africa in the ongoing second Test despite not having Kohli in the line-up. India head coach Rahul Dravid was the first Indian captain to lead the team to a victory in a Test match against South Africa back in 2006.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/the-next-decade-will-belong-to-him-ex-selector-lauds-kl-rahuls-appointment-as-captain-in-kohlis-absence-441942">&nbsp;'The next decade will belong to him': Ex-selector lauds KL Rahul's appointment as captain in Kohli's absence</a>

Dravid &amp; Co. had beaten the Proteas at the Wanderers in 2006. When asked about the team's brilliant record at the venue, Dravid said he can't explain the reason behind the team's dominance but said the Indians have always enjoyed playing at the venue.

"For some reason, the boys have always enjoyed playing at the Wanderers. It's a quicker pitch, but the bounce maybe hasn't been as much as at Centurion in the past. It is a strange one, it's one of those things, I can't exactly put a finger on the reason.

"It may be a familiarity with the city, the ground for some reason we've always done well there and it is hard to figure out why, but I really hope we continue that now," he said.

&nbsp;

India are without their talismanic captain Virat Kohli in the ongoing second Test against South Africa at The Wanderers in Johannesburg. After a brilliant start to the three-match series with a thumping victory in the series-opener in Centurion, the Indian team would be looking to continue their winning run in Johannesburg and clinch the series with back-to-back wins.

India are without their talismanic captain Virat Kohli in the ongoing second Test against South Africa at The Wanderers in Johannesburg. After a brilliant start to the three-match series with a thumping victory in the series-opener in Centurion, the Indian team would be looking to continue their winning run in Johannesburg and clinch the series with back-to-back wins. However, Kohli's absence is a major blow for the visitors as the skipper not only led his troops to perfection on the field but was also looking to return to form with the willow. In his absence, KL Rahul is leading India in the second Test against the Proteas. As India look to pull off a rare Test series win in South Africa this time around, Kohli's absence has come as a big hurdle on their way to glory. Nonetheless, it's the visitors, who are the favourites against hosts South Africa at the Wanderers in Johannesburg. India have not enjoyed much success when it comes to Tests in South Africa with just four wins so far against the Proteas in their own backyard. India have also never won a Test series in the Rainbow nation but have a great chance this time around with a 1-0 lead. India unbeaten in Johannesburg Despite India possessing a woeful record in South Africa overall, the visitors have been unbeaten in Johannesburg over the years. India have never lost a Test match at the Wanderers and have a phenomenal record at the venue. India have so far played five Tests in Johannesburg, winning two and drawing three matches. India's record at the venue, which has assisted fast bowlers heavily over the years, proves why they are favourites against South Africa in the ongoing second Test despite not having Kohli in the line-up. India head coach Rahul Dravid was the first Indian captain to lead the team to a victory in a Test match against South Africa back in 2006. Also Read: 'The next decade will belong to him': Ex-selector lauds KL Rahul's appointment as captain in Kohli's absence Dravid & Co. had beaten the Proteas at the Wanderers in 2006. When asked about the team's brilliant record at the venue, Dravid said he can't explain the reason behind the team's dominance but said the Indians have always enjoyed playing at the venue. "For some reason, the boys have always enjoyed playing at the Wanderers. It's a quicker pitch, but the bounce maybe hasn't been as much as at Centurion in the past. It is a strange one, it's one of those things, I can't exactly put a finger on the reason. "It may be a familiarity with the city, the ground for some reason we've always done well there and it is hard to figure out why, but I really hope we continue that now," he said.

Despite Virat Kohli's absence, here's why India are favourites against South Africa in Johannesburg Test

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

India were dealt with a huge blow ahead of the second Test against South Africa at The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Monday (January 03) as captain Virat Kohli was ruled out of the game due to a back spasm. In his absence, KL Rahul, who was the vice-captain of the side, was asked to lead the team in the all-important encounter as the visitors hope to continue their winning momentum after a solid victory in the series-opener in Centurion.

Rahul was not India's designated vice-captain ahead of the start of the Test series with Rohit Sharma replacing Ajinkya Rahane as Kohli's deputy in the longest format. However, an injury to Rohit paved way for Rahul to be India's vice-captain in the three-match rubber. With Kohli missing out in the playing XI for the second Test, Rahul is India's new captain in charge in Johannesburg.

Reacting to the decision, former India selector Saba Karim lauded the team management for handing over the captaincy responsibility to Rahul in Kohli's absence. The former Indian cricketer said he was not only confident of Rahul having a good 2022 but also of him owning the next decade while serving the Indian team for a long time to come in all formats.

“I think this is an excellent decision. I am very confident that not only the upcoming year but the upcoming decade will belong to KL Rahul. The kind of form he has displayed, if he carries on with the same work ethic, he will serve India for many years to come,” said Karim on Khelneeti.

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>

Rahul has also been named India's captain for the upcoming ODI series against South Africa in Rohit's absence and is being seen as one of the future leaders of the Indian team. The star batter has also led Punjab Kings for two seasons in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Karim believes Rahul has the quality to not let the burden of captaincy hamper his performances with the bat which is going to help him in the future.

“KL Rahul has shown those instincts while leading Punjab Kings. When you appoint a captain, you need to analyze if there is an improvement in his primary skill. Rahul has definitely shown this while captaining Punjab Kings. That’s why it is being hoped that his performance will get even better with the responsibility of leadership,” said the former selector.

India were dealt with a huge blow ahead of the second Test against South Africa at The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Monday (January 03) as captain Virat Kohli was ruled out of the game due to a back spasm.

India were dealt with a huge blow ahead of the second Test against South Africa at The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Monday (January 03) as captain Virat Kohli was ruled out of the game due to a back spasm. In his absence, KL Rahul, who was the vice-captain of the side, was asked to lead the team in the all-important encounter as the visitors hope to continue their winning momentum after a solid victory in the series-opener in Centurion. Rahul was not India's designated vice-captain ahead of the start of the Test series with Rohit Sharma replacing Ajinkya Rahane as Kohli's deputy in the longest format. However, an injury to Rohit paved way for Rahul to be India's vice-captain in the three-match rubber. With Kohli missing out in the playing XI for the second Test, Rahul is India's new captain in charge in Johannesburg. Reacting to the decision, former India selector Saba Karim lauded the team management for handing over the captaincy responsibility to Rahul in Kohli's absence. The former Indian cricketer said he was not only confident of Rahul having a good 2022 but also of him owning the next decade while serving the Indian team for a long time to come in all formats. “I think this is an excellent decision. I am very confident that not only the upcoming year but the upcoming decade will belong to KL Rahul. The kind of form he has displayed, if he carries on with the same work ethic, he will serve India for many years to come,” said Karim on Khelneeti. Also Read: Ind vs SA, 2nd Test: Big blow to India as Virat Kohli out of playing XI, KL Rahul takes charge Rahul has also been named India's captain for the upcoming ODI series against South Africa in Rohit's absence and is being seen as one of the future leaders of the Indian team. The star batter has also led Punjab Kings for two seasons in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Karim believes Rahul has the quality to not let the burden of captaincy hamper his performances with the bat which is going to help him in the future. “KL Rahul has shown those instincts while leading Punjab Kings. When you appoint a captain, you need to analyze if there is an improvement in his primary skill. Rahul has definitely shown this while captaining Punjab Kings. That’s why it is being hoped that his performance will get even better with the responsibility of leadership,” said the former selector.

'The next decade will belong to him': Ex-selector lauds KL Rahul's appointment as captain in Kohli's absence

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;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ms-dhoni-may-have-supported-some-bcci-officials-who-didnt-want-me-harbhajan-singh-makes-glaring-remark-441643">MS Dhoni may have supported some BCCI officials who didn't want me: Harbhajan Singh makes glaring remark</a>

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'

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">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<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.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
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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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>

"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 opener KL Rahul believes that enjoying in leaving balls outside the off-stump is key to do well in Test cricket. He added that the Indian team is lucky to have legendary batter and former India captain Rahul Dravid as the head coach for he brings a lot of calmness and balance in the dressing room. 
 
Since his re-entry into Test cricket, Rahul has scored 461 runs in ten innings at an average of 46.10. In his knock of 123 in the first innings at Centurion, for which he got the player of the match award, Rahul displayed the attributes which got him success: leaving balls outside the off-stump, defending with soft hands, not being rattled by short-ball barrage and punished bad balls by sending them to boundary ropes.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-sa-centurion-test-you-want-to-learn-as-much-as-possible-from-rahul-dravid-says-kl-rahul-441228">Ind vs SA, Centurion Test: You want to learn as much as possible from Rahul Dravid, says KL Rahul</a> 
 
"It's something that I am enjoying doing a lot, to be honest. I think that's the key to Test cricket. You need to enjoy leaving balls outside the off-stump. I know we play a lot of T20 and ODI cricket and smash the ball all over the park is exciting and thrilling. At the same time, when you come to Test cricket, you learn to be disciplined and play the waiting game and try to enjoy that," said Rahul in the virtual press conference after India won by 113 runs at SuperSport Park. 
 
Mixing enjoyment and responsibility as an opener in Test cricket has been exciting till now for the Test vice-captain.

"Sometimes, the mistakes happen when you are bored of doing the same things. But, for me, I have tried to enjoy leaving balls outside the off-stump, playing defensive shots, tiring the bowlers at times. That is what is expected out of me as an opener for the team. So, in this year, since I have started playing Test matches again in England, I have started enjoying doing those things and had a good knock here in this game. Now, I have to go to the Wanderers and try to do the same thing all over again, which is exciting for me." 
 
The 29-year-old spoke in affirmative of head coach Rahul Dravid`s presence in the dressing room, saying India are really lucky in having him at the helm.

"When a legendary player like Rahul Dravid comes into the dressing room as the coach, you want to sit with him and talk to him about what he did in these conditions. Like, how he was successful for so many years and you talk about the art of batting, for which we are very lucky to have a guy like him in the dressing room, who has brought in a lot of calm and balance into the dressing room. He focuses a lot on the preparations and made us work really hard at the training in nets. We have enjoyed that period and having him presents an opportunity for us to learn and get better as cricketers and people. That's a great thing for us."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/batting-was-the-difference-between-two-sides-sa-skipper-dean-elgar-on-centurion-test-loss-vs-india-441208">'Batting was the difference between two sides', SA skipper Dean Elgar on Centurion Test loss vs India</a>

The 29-year-old acknowledged the decisive role of winning the toss in India posting a first innings total of 327, which set the base for taking a 130-run lead and eventually winning the match.

"It was a really crucial toss for us to win, especially after we saw how the pitch started to play on day three and four. Winning the toss was crucial as it was very crucial for us to put up a decent total up on board in the first innings because we knew that the cracks will open up and will be harder as the game progresses to score runs. Our aim was to get around 350-360 and give a chance to our bowlers to do what they do. Really happy that we could do that."

India opener KL Rahul believes that enjoying in leaving balls outside the off-stump is key to do well in Test cricket. He added that the Indian team is lucky to have legendary batter and former India captain Rahul Dravid as the head coach for he brings a lot of calmness and balance in the dressing room.

India opener KL Rahul believes that enjoying in leaving balls outside the off-stump is key to do well in Test cricket. He added that the Indian team is lucky to have legendary batter and former India captain Rahul Dravid as the head coach for he brings a lot of calmness and balance in the dressing room. Since his re-entry into Test cricket, Rahul has scored 461 runs in ten innings at an average of 46.10. In his knock of 123 in the first innings at Centurion, for which he got the player of the match award, Rahul displayed the attributes which got him success: leaving balls outside the off-stump, defending with soft hands, not being rattled by short-ball barrage and punished bad balls by sending them to boundary ropes. ALSO READ: Ind vs SA, Centurion Test: You want to learn as much as possible from Rahul Dravid, says KL Rahul "It's something that I am enjoying doing a lot, to be honest. I think that's the key to Test cricket. You need to enjoy leaving balls outside the off-stump. I know we play a lot of T20 and ODI cricket and smash the ball all over the park is exciting and thrilling. At the same time, when you come to Test cricket, you learn to be disciplined and play the waiting game and try to enjoy that," said Rahul in the virtual press conference after India won by 113 runs at SuperSport Park. Mixing enjoyment and responsibility as an opener in Test cricket has been exciting till now for the Test vice-captain. "Sometimes, the mistakes happen when you are bored of doing the same things. But, for me, I have tried to enjoy leaving balls outside the off-stump, playing defensive shots, tiring the bowlers at times. That is what is expected out of me as an opener for the team. So, in this year, since I have started playing Test matches again in England, I have started enjoying doing those things and had a good knock here in this game. Now, I have to go to the Wanderers and try to do the same thing all over again, which is exciting for me." The 29-year-old spoke in affirmative of head coach Rahul Dravid`s presence in the dressing room, saying India are really lucky in having him at the helm. "When a legendary player like Rahul Dravid comes into the dressing room as the coach, you want to sit with him and talk to him about what he did in these conditions. Like, how he was successful for so many years and you talk about the art of batting, for which we are very lucky to have a guy like him in the dressing room, who has brought in a lot of calm and balance into the dressing room. He focuses a lot on the preparations and made us work really hard at the training in nets. We have enjoyed that period and having him presents an opportunity for us to learn and get better as cricketers and people. That's a great thing for us." ALSO READ: 'Batting was the difference between two sides', SA skipper Dean Elgar on Centurion Test loss vs India The 29-year-old acknowledged the decisive role of winning the toss in India posting a first innings total of 327, which set the base for taking a 130-run lead and eventually winning the match. "It was a really crucial toss for us to win, especially after we saw how the pitch started to play on day three and four. Winning the toss was crucial as it was very crucial for us to put up a decent total up on board in the first innings because we knew that the cracks will open up and will be harder as the game progresses to score runs. Our aim was to get around 350-360 and give a chance to our bowlers to do what they do. Really happy that we could do that."

'In Test-cricket, you learn to be disciplined', says Centurion tie's Player-of-the-Match KL Rahul

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

Indian opening batter KL Rahul on Thursday said head coach Rahul Dravid has brought a lot of balance within the side and players want to learn as much as they can from the former skipper.KL Rahul, who scored a century in the first Test against South Africa, said Dravid had made the visitors work hard in the nets before the game.

"You want to sit with a great player like Rahul Dravid, you want to learn as much as possible from him for so many years," Rahul said in the post-match press conference after the win in the first Test.

"You talk about the art of batting, we are very lucky to have a guy like him in the dressing room, he has brought a lot of calm and balance in the dressing room. He focuses more preparation, he has made us work hard in the training and in the nets," he added.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/batting-was-the-difference-between-two-sides-sa-skipper-dean-elgar-on-centurion-test-loss-vs-india-441208">'Batting was the difference between two sides', SA skipper Dean Elgar on Centurion Test loss vs India</a>

India clinched their first Test match in Centurion as they defeated South Africa by 113 runs on the final day of the game on Thursday.

"It's a super super special year for Team India. The kind of achievements that we have gotten this year has been truly special and I think it will go down as one of the greatest years in Indian cricket history, especially Test cricket," said Rahul.

"The victory is a result of hard work and discipline. We have worked really hard as a team for a few years, and we are slowly starting to see results. Yes, the dressing room atmosphere is amazing at the moment. It is a great Test victory," he added.

The Indian opener termed the win over South Africa as complete team performance.

IN PICS:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-how-india-demolished-south-africa-at-their-fortress-in-centurion-to-go-1-0-up-441187">How India demolished South Africa at their fortress in Centurion to go 1-0 up</a>

"No Asian team has come here and won in Centurion and kind of work we have put in, in the last two weeks leading up to this Test match," said Rahul.

"We worked really hard as a team and we had a lot of fun at training and at practice. To go out there in the first game of the series and put up a performance like that which is a complete team performance, gives us a lot of confidence," he added.

India and South Africa will next lock horns in the second Test in Johannesburg from Monday.&nbsp;

Indian opening batter KL Rahul on Thursday said head coach Rahul Dravid has brought a lot of balance within the side and players want to learn as much as they can from the former skipper.

Indian opening batter KL Rahul on Thursday said head coach Rahul Dravid has brought a lot of balance within the side and players want to learn as much as they can from the former skipper.KL Rahul, who scored a century in the first Test against South Africa, said Dravid had made the visitors work hard in the nets before the game. "You want to sit with a great player like Rahul Dravid, you want to learn as much as possible from him for so many years," Rahul said in the post-match press conference after the win in the first Test. "You talk about the art of batting, we are very lucky to have a guy like him in the dressing room, he has brought a lot of calm and balance in the dressing room. He focuses more preparation, he has made us work hard in the training and in the nets," he added. ALSO READ: 'Batting was the difference between two sides', SA skipper Dean Elgar on Centurion Test loss vs India India clinched their first Test match in Centurion as they defeated South Africa by 113 runs on the final day of the game on Thursday. "It's a super super special year for Team India. The kind of achievements that we have gotten this year has been truly special and I think it will go down as one of the greatest years in Indian cricket history, especially Test cricket," said Rahul. "The victory is a result of hard work and discipline. We have worked really hard as a team for a few years, and we are slowly starting to see results. Yes, the dressing room atmosphere is amazing at the moment. It is a great Test victory," he added. The Indian opener termed the win over South Africa as complete team performance. IN PICS: How India demolished South Africa at their fortress in Centurion to go 1-0 up "No Asian team has come here and won in Centurion and kind of work we have put in, in the last two weeks leading up to this Test match," said Rahul. "We worked really hard as a team and we had a lot of fun at training and at practice. To go out there in the first game of the series and put up a performance like that which is a complete team performance, gives us a lot of confidence," he added. India and South Africa will next lock horns in the second Test in Johannesburg from Monday.

Ind vs SA, Centurion Test: You want to learn as much as possible from Rahul Dravid, says KL Rahul

India fast bowlers&nbsp;Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami claimed three wickets each as India bowled&nbsp;South Africa out for 191 to win the first Test, at Centurion, by 113 runs on the fifth and final day on Thursday.

South Africa resumed at 94 for 4, chasing a record 305 for victory, but fell far short on a spicy pitch that provided ample assistance to the pacers.

Dean Elgar (77) and Temba Bavuma (35 not out) gave the hosts some hope in the morning session, but India's formidable pace attack exploited the conditions admirably and guided the team to a comfortable victory, in the three-match series opener in the African nation.

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>

South African captain Dean Elgar, who top-scored for his team with a valiant 77 in the final essay, claimed there were few positives for his squad. He, however, conveyed dissatisfaction with the batters.

"Obviously not a nice thing knowing we lost a Test here. Did a few things wrong. Lot of positives coming out that we can use in the next two. Always the nature here. Always going to be tough because the wicket's playing slower (first morning)," Dean Elgar told the broadcasters at the post-match presentation.

South African captain praised Indian openers for the resistance and patience they displayed on Day 1. Elgar said, "Indian openers (KL Rahul and Mayank Aggarwal)&nbsp;did the fundamentals right. We didn't quite execute the lengths well. After some good chats our bowlers executed the lengths and restricted India to what we thought was a par score. New ball is something you have to get through playing here."

Elgar criticized his&nbsp;batters and added, "Can't emphasise enough on the hard work our bowlers put in to get 20 wickets. Our batters let us down. I'd say the batting was the difference between the two sides."

IN PICS: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-how-india-demolished-south-africa-at-their-fortress-in-centurion-to-go-1-0-up-441187">How India demolished South Africa at their fortress in Centurion to go 1-0 up</a>

Since&nbsp;1991, South Africa has only been dismissed for less than 200 in each innings of a Test at home on three occasions.

However, the Proteas skipper still showed a lot of optimism and said that they will strategise better for the next Test match, starting on January 3 at The Wanderers, Johannesburg. "We'll have a little sit-down with myself and the management to strategise. Didn't do a lot of wrong things. Not all doom and gloom for us. We thrive under the pressure which is a positive for us," he concluded.

India fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami claimed three wickets each as India bowled South Africa out for 191 to win the first Test, at Centurion, by 113 runs on the fifth and final day on Thursday.

India fast bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami claimed three wickets each as India bowled South Africa out for 191 to win the first Test, at Centurion, by 113 runs on the fifth and final day on Thursday. South Africa resumed at 94 for 4, chasing a record 305 for victory, but fell far short on a spicy pitch that provided ample assistance to the pacers. Dean Elgar (77) and Temba Bavuma (35 not out) gave the hosts some hope in the morning session, but India's formidable pace attack exploited the conditions admirably and guided the team to a comfortable victory, in the three-match series opener in the African nation. ALSO READ: Virat Kohli lauds India bowlers after Centurion Test win, lavishes huge praise on Mohammed Shami South African captain Dean Elgar, who top-scored for his team with a valiant 77 in the final essay, claimed there were few positives for his squad. He, however, conveyed dissatisfaction with the batters. "Obviously not a nice thing knowing we lost a Test here. Did a few things wrong. Lot of positives coming out that we can use in the next two. Always the nature here. Always going to be tough because the wicket's playing slower (first morning)," Dean Elgar told the broadcasters at the post-match presentation. South African captain praised Indian openers for the resistance and patience they displayed on Day 1. Elgar said, "Indian openers (KL Rahul and Mayank Aggarwal) did the fundamentals right. We didn't quite execute the lengths well. After some good chats our bowlers executed the lengths and restricted India to what we thought was a par score. New ball is something you have to get through playing here." Elgar criticized his batters and added, "Can't emphasise enough on the hard work our bowlers put in to get 20 wickets. Our batters let us down. I'd say the batting was the difference between the two sides." IN PICS: How India demolished South Africa at their fortress in Centurion to go 1-0 up Since 1991, South Africa has only been dismissed for less than 200 in each innings of a Test at home on three occasions. However, the Proteas skipper still showed a lot of optimism and said that they will strategise better for the next Test match, starting on January 3 at The Wanderers, Johannesburg. "We'll have a little sit-down with myself and the management to strategise. Didn't do a lot of wrong things. Not all doom and gloom for us. We thrive under the pressure which is a positive for us," he concluded.

'Batting was the difference between two sides', SA skipper Dean Elgar on Centurion Test loss vs India

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

IN PICS: How India demolished South Africa at their fortress in Centurion to go 1-0 up

India demolished South Africa by 113 runs to win the first Test, of the three-match series, at the SuperSpork Park, Centurion on Thursday (December 30). With this win, India ended the calendar year with a bang. In early 2021, India had breached Australia's fortress, i.e. at The Gabba, Brisbane, and now ended the year by breaching SA's fortress, i.e. at Centurion (Proteas' first loss at the venue since 2014).

Resuming Day 5, Dean Elgar-led Proteas started by reeling at 94-4, needing 211 more in pursuit of 305. However, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj chipped in with vital wickets before Mohammed Shami and R Ashwin wrapped up the tail in a flash. Elgar (77) and Temba Bavuma (35 not out) showed some resistance but the Indian bowlers, especially the seamers, led the charge with the red cherry in hand to take India to their maiden win at the venue.

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>

After the match, the 33-year-old Indian Test captain Virat Kohli lauded the team and was all praise for the bowling unit. He told the broadcasters, "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."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/he-has-to-play-the-shot-vikram-rathour-sheds-light-on-virat-kohlis-outside-off-struggles-441135">He has to play the shot: Vikram Rathour sheds light on Virat Kohli's outside-off struggles</a>

For the unversed, Shami ended the match with 8 wickets, including a five-fer in the first innings which led to SA conceding a 130-run lead. This also became the first-ever win by an Asian team&nbsp;at Centurion. On the other hand, Rahul Dravid achieved his maiden overseas win as the head coach and will hope for the team to carry on in a similar stead in the second Test, from January 3 at The Wanderers, Johannesburg.&nbsp;

India demolished South Africa by 113 runs to win the first Test, of the three-match series, at the SuperSpork Park, Centurion on Thursday (December 30). With this win, India ended the calendar year with a bang.

India demolished South Africa by 113 runs to win the first Test, of the three-match series, at the SuperSpork Park, Centurion on Thursday (December 30). With this win, India ended the calendar year with a bang. In early 2021, India had breached Australia's fortress, i.e. at The Gabba, Brisbane, and now ended the year by breaching SA's fortress, i.e. at Centurion (Proteas' first loss at the venue since 2014). Resuming Day 5, Dean Elgar-led Proteas started by reeling at 94-4, needing 211 more in pursuit of 305. However, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj chipped in with vital wickets before Mohammed Shami and R Ashwin wrapped up the tail in a flash. Elgar (77) and Temba Bavuma (35 not out) showed some resistance but the Indian bowlers, especially the seamers, led the charge with the red cherry in hand to take India to their maiden win at the venue. ALSO READ | 1st Test: India beat South Africa by 113 runs to go 1-0 up, achieve maiden win at Centurion After the match, the 33-year-old Indian Test captain Virat Kohli lauded the team and was all praise for the bowling unit. He told the broadcasters, "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." ALSO READ | He has to play the shot: Vikram Rathour sheds light on Virat Kohli's outside-off struggles For the unversed, Shami ended the match with 8 wickets, including a five-fer in the first innings which led to SA conceding a 130-run lead. This also became the first-ever win by an Asian team at Centurion. On the other hand, Rahul Dravid achieved his maiden overseas win as the head coach and will hope for the team to carry on in a similar stead in the second Test, from January 3 at The Wanderers, Johannesburg.

Virat Kohli lauds India bowlers after Centurion Test win, lavishes huge praise on Mohammed Shami