Virat Kohli has jumped three spots to claim the sixth position in the latest ICC Test Rankings for batters whereas Indian captain Rohit Sharma entered the top 10 following his crucial knocks in India's second and final Test versus South Africa, at Newlands, Cape Town. In the bowling list, India's pace duo Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah -- both of whom accounted for five-fers in the Cape Town win -- has also improved their rankings whereas Kagiso Rabada, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and R Ashwin remained at top.&nbsp;

ICC Test Rankings for batters

Kane Williamson - 864 rating points

Joe Root - 859 rating points

Steve Smith - 818 rating points

Marnus Labuschagne - 802 rating points

Daryl Mitchell - 786 rating points

Virat Kohli - 775 rating points

Harry Brook - 773 rating points

Babar Azam - 768 rating points

Usman Khawaja - 764 rating points

Rohit Sharma - 748 rating points

New Zealand's former captain Kane Williamson continues to hold the top spot with Australia's No. 3 Marnus Labuschagne also making a jump, by three spots.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-afg-rohit-sharma-aims-to-equal-former-captain-ms-dhonis-historic-feat-on-t20i-comeback-678514">Ind vs Afg: Rohit Sharma aims to equal former captain MS Dhoni's HISTORIC feat on T20I comeback</a>

ICC Test Rankings for bowlers&nbsp;

R Ashwin - 863 rating points

Pat Cummins - 858 rating points

Kagiso Rabada - 851 rating points

Jasprit Bumrah - 787 rating points

Ravindra Jadeja - 774 rating points

Ollie Robinson - 762 rating points

James Anderson - 761 rating points

Josh Hazlewood - 761 rating points

Mitchell Starc - 753 rating points

Prabath Jayasuriya - 751 rating points

Despite R Ashwin missing India's final Test versus South Africa, he holds the top position. Australian captain Cummins has closed in the gap with Ashwin. Josh Hazlewood has also equalled with England's veteran James Anderson, at the seventh spot, following his good run in Australia's third and final Test win over Pakistan at the SCG, Sydney. In the match, Hazlewood ended with five wickets (including four from the second innings).&nbsp;

Ravindra Jadeja remains the top all-rounder in the purest format, with a rating points of 434. Meanwhile, Australia have dethroned India to become the No. 1 ranked side in Tests following India's drawn series versus South Africa in the African nation. The Aussies inflicted a series whitewash over Pakistan, which ended on Jan 6, with a 3-0 scoreline and will look to bolster their lead in the upcoming home Tests versus West Indies.&nbsp;

Virat Kohli has jumped three spots to claim the sixth position in the latest ICC Test Rankings for batters whereas Indian captain Rohit Sharma entered the top 10 following his crucial knocks in India's second and final Test versus South Africa, at Newlands, Cape Town.

Virat Kohli has jumped three spots to claim the sixth position in the latest ICC Test Rankings for batters whereas Indian captain Rohit Sharma entered the top 10 following his crucial knocks in India's second and final Test versus South Africa, at Newlands, Cape Town. In the bowling list, India's pace duo Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah -- both of whom accounted for five-fers in the Cape Town win -- has also improved their rankings whereas Kagiso Rabada, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and R Ashwin remained at top. ICC Test Rankings for batters Kane Williamson - 864 rating points Joe Root - 859 rating points Steve Smith - 818 rating points Marnus Labuschagne - 802 rating points Daryl Mitchell - 786 rating points Virat Kohli - 775 rating points Harry Brook - 773 rating points Babar Azam - 768 rating points Usman Khawaja - 764 rating points Rohit Sharma - 748 rating points New Zealand's former captain Kane Williamson continues to hold the top spot with Australia's No. 3 Marnus Labuschagne also making a jump, by three spots. Also read: Ind vs Afg: Rohit Sharma aims to equal former captain MS Dhoni's HISTORIC feat on T20I comeback ICC Test Rankings for bowlers R Ashwin - 863 rating points Pat Cummins - 858 rating points Kagiso Rabada - 851 rating points Jasprit Bumrah - 787 rating points Ravindra Jadeja - 774 rating points Ollie Robinson - 762 rating points James Anderson - 761 rating points Josh Hazlewood - 761 rating points Mitchell Starc - 753 rating points Prabath Jayasuriya - 751 rating points Despite R Ashwin missing India's final Test versus South Africa, he holds the top position. Australian captain Cummins has closed in the gap with Ashwin. Josh Hazlewood has also equalled with England's veteran James Anderson, at the seventh spot, following his good run in Australia's third and final Test win over Pakistan at the SCG, Sydney. In the match, Hazlewood ended with five wickets (including four from the second innings). Ravindra Jadeja remains the top all-rounder in the purest format, with a rating points of 434. Meanwhile, Australia have dethroned India to become the No. 1 ranked side in Tests following India's drawn series versus South Africa in the African nation. The Aussies inflicted a series whitewash over Pakistan, which ended on Jan 6, with a 3-0 scoreline and will look to bolster their lead in the upcoming home Tests versus West Indies.

ICC Test Rankings: Virat Kohli jumps three spots to claim 6th position, Rohit Sharma enters top 10

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli marked their return to India's T20I setup when the BCCI selectors announced the national side's 16-man squad for the upcoming three-match series versus Afghanistan at home. Rohit and Kohli have not played a T20I since India's 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final loss to eventual winners England in Adelaide. As the three T20Is versus the Afghans&nbsp;get&nbsp;underway on Thursday (Jan 11) in Mohali, Rohit is on the cusp of equalling MS Dhoni's historic captaincy record.&nbsp;

It is to be noted that Rohit&nbsp;has 39 wins in 51 T20Is. On the other hand, former skipper Dhoni ended his T20I captaincy tenure&nbsp;winning 42 out of 72 matches. Hence, if India inflict a series whitewash over the Afghans, Rohit will level Dhoni as the joint-most successful India captain in men's T20Is. With India gearing up for the 2024 T20 WC, to be held in West Indies and USA in June, it will certainly boost Rohit's confidence if he levels with Dhoni, India's sole T20 WC-winning captain.&nbsp;

<h3>MOST WINS AS T20I CAPTAIN</h3>

Asghar Afghan (Afghanistan) - 42

MS Dhoni (India) - 42

Babar Azam (Pakistan) - 42

Eoin Morgan (England) - 42

Brian Masaba (Uganda) - 42

Aaron Finch (Australia) - 40

Rohit Sharma (India) – 39

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/former-south-africa-player-cites-virat-kohlis-example-to-keep-tests-as-priority-over-t20-leagues-678327">Former South Africa player cites Virat Kohli's example to give Tests priority over T20 leagues</a>

Under Rohit, India have achieved considerable success in T20Is. They beat Sri Lanka (home), West Indies (home and away), and England (away) since he became the permanent T20I captain. Before that, he led India to the Nidahas Trophy in Sri Lanka&nbsp;in early 2018 when then-all-format captain Kohli was rested. At present, India are the No. 1 ranked side in the format.&nbsp;

<h2>India’s T20I squad for the Afghanistan series –</h2>

Rohit Sharma (captain), S Gill, Y Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, W Sundar, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan and Mukesh Kumar

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli marked their return to India's T20I setup when the BCCI selectors announced the national side's 16-man squad for the upcoming three-match series versus Afghanistan at home.

Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli marked their return to India's T20I setup when the BCCI selectors announced the national side's 16-man squad for the upcoming three-match series versus Afghanistan at home. Rohit and Kohli have not played a T20I since India's 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final loss to eventual winners England in Adelaide. As the three T20Is versus the Afghans get underway on Thursday (Jan 11) in Mohali, Rohit is on the cusp of equalling MS Dhoni's historic captaincy record. It is to be noted that Rohit has 39 wins in 51 T20Is. On the other hand, former skipper Dhoni ended his T20I captaincy tenure winning 42 out of 72 matches. Hence, if India inflict a series whitewash over the Afghans, Rohit will level Dhoni as the joint-most successful India captain in men's T20Is. With India gearing up for the 2024 T20 WC, to be held in West Indies and USA in June, it will certainly boost Rohit's confidence if he levels with Dhoni, India's sole T20 WC-winning captain. MOST WINS AS T20I CAPTAIN Asghar Afghan (Afghanistan) - 42 MS Dhoni (India) - 42 Babar Azam (Pakistan) - 42 Eoin Morgan (England) - 42 Brian Masaba (Uganda) - 42 Aaron Finch (Australia) - 40 Rohit Sharma (India) – 39 Also read: Former South Africa player cites Virat Kohli's example to give Tests priority over T20 leagues Under Rohit, India have achieved considerable success in T20Is. They beat Sri Lanka (home), West Indies (home and away), and England (away) since he became the permanent T20I captain. Before that, he led India to the Nidahas Trophy in Sri Lanka in early 2018 when then-all-format captain Kohli was rested. At present, India are the No. 1 ranked side in the format. India’s T20I squad for the Afghanistan series – Rohit Sharma (captain), S Gill, Y Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, W Sundar, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan and Mukesh Kumar

Ind vs Afg: Rohit Sharma aims to equal former captain MS Dhoni's HISTORIC feat on T20I comeback

Former India selector Kiran More has opined that inclusion of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in India's squad for upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan is based on recent form. The duo, who have not featured in any T20I for India since the semi-final of 2022 T20 World Cup against England. India had lost that match by 10 wickets. In 2023 ODI World Cup, however, the duo played superbly to take India into the final.

"They have been selected based on their recent form," said More while talking to the media outlet News18.&nbsp;

"Your (selectors) thinking changed slightly after two years. I don't know what their thinking was earlier but both gave fantastic performances in the World Cup and looked in form in the South Africa series as well," he added.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/afghanistan-cricket-board-allows-mujeeb-naveen-and-farooqi-to-play-in-global-t20-leagues-with-new-conditions-678285">Afghanistan Cricket Board allows Mujeeb, Naveen and Farooqi to play in global T20 leagues with new conditions</a>

Rohit will also be leading the side as he does in ODIs and Tests and More said that recalling both of them is good news for Indian cricket.

"The way Rohit Sharma captained in the World Cup and we reached the final as well, he played exceptional innings, the aggression he showed, so the thinking changed slightly. So both have been recalled and it is very good news for Indian cricket," opined More.

The former selector's reasoning is valid as Rohit often gave India fast start at the ODI WC while Kohli scored record 765 runs in 11 matches.

The home series against Afghanistan is India's last international assignment in the T20Is before the T20 World Cup in June later this year. The Indian players will then play the domestic T20 tournament Indian Premier League (IPL) as well. Rohit plays for Mumbai Indians in the IPL while Kohli has been with Royal Challengers Bangalore since inception of the league in 2008.

Both Rohit and Kohli may have not played in the T20Is in recent times but their performance in other formats including in the ODI World Cup surely makes India as one of the favorites to win the tournament with them in the squad.

Former India selector Kiran More has opined that inclusion of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in India's squad for upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan is based on recent form.

Former India selector Kiran More has opined that inclusion of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in India's squad for upcoming T20I series against Afghanistan is based on recent form. The duo, who have not featured in any T20I for India since the semi-final of 2022 T20 World Cup against England. India had lost that match by 10 wickets. In 2023 ODI World Cup, however, the duo played superbly to take India into the final. "They have been selected based on their recent form," said More while talking to the media outlet News18. "Your (selectors) thinking changed slightly after two years. I don't know what their thinking was earlier but both gave fantastic performances in the World Cup and looked in form in the South Africa series as well," he added. Also Read: Afghanistan Cricket Board allows Mujeeb, Naveen and Farooqi to play in global T20 leagues with new conditions Rohit will also be leading the side as he does in ODIs and Tests and More said that recalling both of them is good news for Indian cricket. "The way Rohit Sharma captained in the World Cup and we reached the final as well, he played exceptional innings, the aggression he showed, so the thinking changed slightly. So both have been recalled and it is very good news for Indian cricket," opined More. The former selector's reasoning is valid as Rohit often gave India fast start at the ODI WC while Kohli scored record 765 runs in 11 matches. The home series against Afghanistan is India's last international assignment in the T20Is before the T20 World Cup in June later this year. The Indian players will then play the domestic T20 tournament Indian Premier League (IPL) as well. Rohit plays for Mumbai Indians in the IPL while Kohli has been with Royal Challengers Bangalore since inception of the league in 2008. Both Rohit and Kohli may have not played in the T20Is in recent times but their performance in other formats including in the ODI World Cup surely makes India as one of the favorites to win the tournament with them in the squad.

Former India selector offers reason behind selecting Rohit and Kohli for upcoming T20Is vs Afghanistan

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rated the Newlands pitch as 'unsatisfactory.' The pitch, located in Cape Town, South Africa had hosted the second Test of the two-match series between India and the African nation. The match, however, got over inside five sessions and visitors India won by seven wickets. The match saw only 642 balls being bowled, making it the shortest completed Test in history in terms of ball bowled.

The ICC reached the decision after referee Chris Broad submitted his report. Cricket South Africa now has 14 days to appeal the decision.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/india-pacer-mohammed-shami-marks-upcoming-home-test-series-against-england-for-comeback-678221">India pacer Mohammed Shami marks upcoming home Test series against England for comeback</a>

“The pitch in Newlands was very difficult to bat on," Broad said in his report, noted the ICC. "The ball bounced quickly and sometimes alarmingly throughout the match, making it difficult to play shots. Several batters were hit on the gloves and many wickets also fell due to the awkward bounce.”

According to the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process, a venue gets certain demerit points after being rated as substandard. If that specific venue reaches six demerits points then a ban of 12 months from hosting the games is levied by the ICC.

If the venue reaches 12 demerit points then its is barred by the ICC to host any international games for a period of 24 months. The demerit points, once given to a venue, remain valid for a rolling five-year period.

India skipper Rohit Sharma had also called out the ICC after the Cape Town Test got over. The match saw 23 wickets falling on day 1 of the game with both teams getting all-out once. Rohit had called out the Newlands pitch as nightmare and said: "It's okay for the ball to seam and swing from day one but not when it spins. In my opinion, this is unfair."&nbsp;

"Honestly, I would like to see how the pitches are rated. I want to see that. Whatever... that chart, I would love to see it, how they rate the pitches, because Mumbai, Bangalore, Cape Town, Centurion, all different venues, overhead conditions are different. The pitches deteriorate quite fast when the sun is beating down that hard on the pitch,” he added in the post-match press conference.

The Test series ended in 1-1 draw after India won the Cape Town Test.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rated the Newlands pitch as 'unsatisfactory.' The pitch, located in Cape Town, South Africa had hosted the second Test of the two-match series between India and the African nation.

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has rated the Newlands pitch as 'unsatisfactory.' The pitch, located in Cape Town, South Africa had hosted the second Test of the two-match series between India and the African nation. The match, however, got over inside five sessions and visitors India won by seven wickets. The match saw only 642 balls being bowled, making it the shortest completed Test in history in terms of ball bowled. The ICC reached the decision after referee Chris Broad submitted his report. Cricket South Africa now has 14 days to appeal the decision. Also Read: India pacer Mohammed Shami marks upcoming home Test series against England for comeback “The pitch in Newlands was very difficult to bat on," Broad said in his report, noted the ICC. "The ball bounced quickly and sometimes alarmingly throughout the match, making it difficult to play shots. Several batters were hit on the gloves and many wickets also fell due to the awkward bounce.” According to the ICC Pitch and Outfield Monitoring Process, a venue gets certain demerit points after being rated as substandard. If that specific venue reaches six demerits points then a ban of 12 months from hosting the games is levied by the ICC. If the venue reaches 12 demerit points then its is barred by the ICC to host any international games for a period of 24 months. The demerit points, once given to a venue, remain valid for a rolling five-year period. India skipper Rohit Sharma had also called out the ICC after the Cape Town Test got over. The match saw 23 wickets falling on day 1 of the game with both teams getting all-out once. Rohit had called out the Newlands pitch as nightmare and said: "It's okay for the ball to seam and swing from day one but not when it spins. In my opinion, this is unfair." "Honestly, I would like to see how the pitches are rated. I want to see that. Whatever... that chart, I would love to see it, how they rate the pitches, because Mumbai, Bangalore, Cape Town, Centurion, all different venues, overhead conditions are different. The pitches deteriorate quite fast when the sun is beating down that hard on the pitch,” he added in the post-match press conference. The Test series ended in 1-1 draw after India won the Cape Town Test.

India vs South Africa, 2nd Test: ICC rates Newlands pitch as ‘unsatisfactory’

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), on Sunday (Jan 7), announced India's squad for the three T20Is versus Afghanistan at home. The squad saw the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the T20I setup after the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final. The two had not been part of India's T20I scheme of things since then. Their return has now potentially sealed their spots for the 2024 T20 World Cup, to be held in West Indies and USA in June. The squad does not comprise KL Rahul, Yuzvendra Chahal, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer whereas Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav are out of action due to injury concerns.&nbsp;

Former Indian stumper Saba Karim opened up on India's squad. He feels the Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI selectors have opted for Rohit and Kohli as they want experience in the T20 WC squad. In addition, Hardik-- who led India majorly in the format in Rohit-Kohli's absence -- has been hit with injury concerns of late and, hence, Rohit's return as India captain makes sense.

<h2>'Selectors had shown faith in Hardik Pandya as a captain but...'</h2>

During a discussion on&nbsp;Sports 18, Karim said,&nbsp;“There is no doubt now (on Rohit-Kohli receiving the backing of selectors to feature in India's squad at 2024&nbsp;T20 WC). Now that you have included both these players against Afghanistan, it means there has been a massive change in the selectors' thinking. They feel they need experience for the World Cup. That's why Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have made a comeback. There is another thing. Until now, the selectors had shown faith in Hardik Pandya as a captain but questions are being raised because of Hardik Pandya's injury. That's why the selectors have gone back to Rohit Sharma to bring stability, both as a captain and a batter."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/all-signs-suggest-that-rohit-sharma-is-going-to-lead-india-in-t20-wc-feels-former-player-kris-srikkanth-677732">All signs suggest Rohit Sharma will lead India in T20 WC, says former player Kris Srikkanth</a>

Both Rohit and Kohli will be eager to make a strong statement in the upcoming three T20Is versus Afghanistan, which gets underway on Jan 11 (Thursday) in Mohali.&nbsp;

<h2>India’s T20I squad for the Afghanistan series –</h2>

Rohit Sharma (captain), S Gill, Y Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, W Sundar, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan and Mukesh Kumar

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), on Sunday (Jan 7), announced India's squad for the three T20Is versus Afghanistan at home. The squad saw the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the T20I setup after the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), on Sunday (Jan 7), announced India's squad for the three T20Is versus Afghanistan at home. The squad saw the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in the T20I setup after the 2022 T20 World Cup semi-final. The two had not been part of India's T20I scheme of things since then. Their return has now potentially sealed their spots for the 2024 T20 World Cup, to be held in West Indies and USA in June. The squad does not comprise KL Rahul, Yuzvendra Chahal, KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer whereas Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav are out of action due to injury concerns. Former Indian stumper Saba Karim opened up on India's squad. He feels the Ajit Agarkar-led BCCI selectors have opted for Rohit and Kohli as they want experience in the T20 WC squad. In addition, Hardik-- who led India majorly in the format in Rohit-Kohli's absence -- has been hit with injury concerns of late and, hence, Rohit's return as India captain makes sense. 'Selectors had shown faith in Hardik Pandya as a captain but...' During a discussion on Sports 18, Karim said, “There is no doubt now (on Rohit-Kohli receiving the backing of selectors to feature in India's squad at 2024 T20 WC). Now that you have included both these players against Afghanistan, it means there has been a massive change in the selectors' thinking. They feel they need experience for the World Cup. That's why Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have made a comeback. There is another thing. Until now, the selectors had shown faith in Hardik Pandya as a captain but questions are being raised because of Hardik Pandya's injury. That's why the selectors have gone back to Rohit Sharma to bring stability, both as a captain and a batter." Also read: All signs suggest Rohit Sharma will lead India in T20 WC, says former player Kris Srikkanth Both Rohit and Kohli will be eager to make a strong statement in the upcoming three T20Is versus Afghanistan, which gets underway on Jan 11 (Thursday) in Mohali. India’s T20I squad for the Afghanistan series – Rohit Sharma (captain), S Gill, Y Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, W Sundar, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan and Mukesh Kumar

Ind vs Afg T20Is: Ex-Indian stumper on why BCCI selectors have backed Rohit Sharma as India captain

Former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar has criticised the SENA (South Afrcia, England, New Zealand and Australia) countries for having double standards about the pitches. The comments come after India's second Test against South Africa in Cape Town got over inside two days. The Test, which India won by seven wickets, saw 23 wickets falling on the first day.

“These kind of excuses that the curator got it wrong is typical of the SENA countries,” Gavaskar wrote in his column for news outlet Mid-day.&nbsp;

“When our curators make a dry pitch then it’s ‘chicanery’, as a former Australian skipper said last year after the Aussies had been walloped in the first two Test matches," he added referring to Australia's tour of India in early 2023.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/bcci-selectors-looking-beyond-wicketkeeper-ishan-kishan-in-t20is-says-report-677687">BCCI selectors 'looking beyond' wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan in T20Is, says report</a>

"So our groundsmen do it deliberately, but their groundsmen just get it wrong. It’s like before the third country umpires came in, where decisions by their umpires were excused as ‘human error’ while our umpires were cheats and ‘Delhi Butchers’ and all such derogatory headlines,” continued Gavaskar.

Notably, India skipper Rohit Sharma had also slammed the International Cricket Council (ICC) for pitch rating procedure after the Cape Town Test.&nbsp;

"It's okay for the ball to seam and swing from day one but not when it spins. In my opinion, this is unfair," Rohit had said.

India's next Test assignment is a five-Test home series against England and Gavaskar did not shy from throwing shades at the British media ahead of the tour.

“In about three weeks time another Test series starts with a country that has the biggest whingeing and moaning media in sport. Anything that doesn’t suit their team will be criticised and allegations will fly thick and fast,” he wrote.

England tour of India starts on January 25 with first Test set to be played in Hyderabad.

Former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar has criticised the SENA (South Afrcia, England, New Zealand and Australia) countries for having double standards about the pitches.

Former Indian skipper Sunil Gavaskar has criticised the SENA (South Afrcia, England, New Zealand and Australia) countries for having double standards about the pitches. The comments come after India's second Test against South Africa in Cape Town got over inside two days. The Test, which India won by seven wickets, saw 23 wickets falling on the first day. “These kind of excuses that the curator got it wrong is typical of the SENA countries,” Gavaskar wrote in his column for news outlet Mid-day. “When our curators make a dry pitch then it’s ‘chicanery’, as a former Australian skipper said last year after the Aussies had been walloped in the first two Test matches," he added referring to Australia's tour of India in early 2023. Also Read: BCCI selectors 'looking beyond' wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan in T20Is, says report "So our groundsmen do it deliberately, but their groundsmen just get it wrong. It’s like before the third country umpires came in, where decisions by their umpires were excused as ‘human error’ while our umpires were cheats and ‘Delhi Butchers’ and all such derogatory headlines,” continued Gavaskar. Notably, India skipper Rohit Sharma had also slammed the International Cricket Council (ICC) for pitch rating procedure after the Cape Town Test. "It's okay for the ball to seam and swing from day one but not when it spins. In my opinion, this is unfair," Rohit had said. India's next Test assignment is a five-Test home series against England and Gavaskar did not shy from throwing shades at the British media ahead of the tour. “In about three weeks time another Test series starts with a country that has the biggest whingeing and moaning media in sport. Anything that doesn’t suit their team will be criticised and allegations will fly thick and fast,” he wrote. England tour of India starts on January 25 with first Test set to be played in Hyderabad.

Former India skipper Sunil Gavaskar slams SENA countries for double-standards about pitches

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has backed the selection of veteran stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the Indian team for the upcoming T20 World Cup (June 2024), as the Men in Blue prepare for the marquee event. India who will play Pakistan and Ireland in the group stage are also paired along with hosts USA and Canada. However, both Virat and Rohit have not played in the T20 format since the conclusion of the 2022 World Cup&nbsp;when India lost to England in the semifinal. The duo has since missed matches in the T20Is due to fatigue and game management.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
📢 Announced! 
 
Take a look at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a>'s group stage fixtures for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 👌👌 
 
India will play all their group matches in the USA 🇺🇸<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/T20WorldCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#T20WorldCup</a> <a href="https://t.co/zv1xrqr0VZ">pic.twitter.com/zv1xrqr0VZ</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1743275677519102422?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2>Gavaskar backs Rohit, Virat</h2>

"Kohli's form has been outstanding in the last 1.5 years. He played unbelievably in the 2023 World Cup, making 750-plus runs with 3 centuries. So, there is no doubt about his limited-overs batting. But what makes me feel good is their fielding capacity. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are still great fielders and will be of great help on the field," said Sunil Gavaskar.

According to the legend, both Rohit and Virat have good fitness and have proven it in the 50-over World Cup recently played in India. Virat was the Player of the Tournament for his exceptional show which saw him score 763 runs in 11 matches&nbsp;at an average of 95. He scored nine fifty plus runs in the tournament. Rohit’s influence in the team&nbsp;is well documented. He&nbsp;was one of the best players for the Indian side during the World Cup, while his captaincy was also applauded for the brave decisions he took during the World Cup matches.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/david-warner-looking-forward-to-his-new-role-as-commentator-during-india-test-series-677197">Retired David Warner 'looking forward' to his new role as commentator during India Test series</a>

<h2>What is India’s schedule?</h2>

The 2007 T20 World Cup champions will start their campaign against Ireland followed by the Pakistan clash in New York. India will then take on hosts USA and Canada on June 12 and 15, respectively&nbsp;before entering the Super 8 stage. Both India and Pakistan will be the favourites to make the Super 8 stage with three teams getting eliminated in the group stages.

India’s T20 World Cup schedule

India vs Ireland, June 5

India vs Pakistan, June 9

India vs USA, June 12

India vs Canada, June 15

India’s clash against Pakistan on June 9 in New York will be the highlight&nbsp;as the arch-rivals meet for the eighth time in the T20 World Cup with India leading&nbsp;6-1.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has backed the selection of veteran stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the Indian team for the upcoming T20 World Cup (June 2024), as the Men in Blue prepare for the marquee event.

Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has backed the selection of veteran stars Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the Indian team for the upcoming T20 World Cup (June 2024), as the Men in Blue prepare for the marquee event. India who will play Pakistan and Ireland in the group stage are also paired along with hosts USA and Canada. However, both Virat and Rohit have not played in the T20 format since the conclusion of the 2022 World Cup when India lost to England in the semifinal. The duo has since missed matches in the T20Is due to fatigue and game management. 📢 Announced! Take a look at #TeamIndia's group stage fixtures for the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 👌👌 India will play all their group matches in the USA 🇺🇸#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/zv1xrqr0VZ — BCCI (@BCCI) January 5, 2024 × Gavaskar backs Rohit, Virat "Kohli's form has been outstanding in the last 1.5 years. He played unbelievably in the 2023 World Cup, making 750-plus runs with 3 centuries. So, there is no doubt about his limited-overs batting. But what makes me feel good is their fielding capacity. Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are still great fielders and will be of great help on the field," said Sunil Gavaskar. According to the legend, both Rohit and Virat have good fitness and have proven it in the 50-over World Cup recently played in India. Virat was the Player of the Tournament for his exceptional show which saw him score 763 runs in 11 matches at an average of 95. He scored nine fifty plus runs in the tournament. Rohit’s influence in the team is well documented. He was one of the best players for the Indian side during the World Cup, while his captaincy was also applauded for the brave decisions he took during the World Cup matches. ALSO READ | Retired David Warner 'looking forward' to his new role as commentator during India Test series What is India’s schedule? The 2007 T20 World Cup champions will start their campaign against Ireland followed by the Pakistan clash in New York. India will then take on hosts USA and Canada on June 12 and 15, respectively before entering the Super 8 stage. Both India and Pakistan will be the favourites to make the Super 8 stage with three teams getting eliminated in the group stages. India’s T20 World Cup schedule India vs Ireland, June 5 India vs Pakistan, June 9 India vs USA, June 12 India vs Canada, June 15 India’s clash against Pakistan on June 9 in New York will be the highlight as the arch-rivals meet for the eighth time in the T20 World Cup with India leading 6-1.

Sunil Gavaskar backs Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma to feature in 2024 T20 World Cup

Veteran batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have returned to the side for the Afghanistan T20Is, as BCCI named a 16-man squad for the three-match series starting on January 11. The board picked a relatively inexperienced team with several top names missing, with Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah being a few.

<h2>Here is India’s T20I squad for the Afghanistan series –</h2>

Rohit Sharma (captain), S Gill, Y Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, W Sundar, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan and Mukesh Kumar

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
🚨 NEWS 🚨<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a>’s squad for <a href="https://twitter.com/IDFCFIRSTBank?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IDFCFIRSTBank</a> T20I series against Afghanistan announced 🔽 
 
Rohit Sharma (C), S Gill, Y Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, W Sundar, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav,…
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1743989935747797076?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h3>Top players missing</h3>

In the absence of several top names due to injuries, with Hardik Pandya (out with ankle injury), Suryakumar Yadav (out with ankle&nbsp;injury), and Ruturaj Gaikwad (out with finger injury) among others ruled out, India picked Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal as openers.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/unhappy-ab-de-villiers-blames-t20-crickets-rise-for-shorter-south-africa-india-test-series-raises-concerns-677462">‘Unhappy’ AB de Villiers blames T20 cricket’s rise for shorter South Africa-India Test series, raises concerns</a>

While Virat will bat at his favourite number 3 position, Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson are set to take up the middle-order spots. With the emergence of a new finisher in the team, Rinku Singh, the lower order looks sorted. The presence of two all-rounders, Shivam Dube and Axar Patel, helps India to tick off the attacker’s role.&nbsp;

Washington Sundar’s inclusion also adds value to the team, as BCCI named two outright spinners in Ravi Bishnoi and Kuldeep Yadav. Arshdeep, Avesh and Mukesh compile the three-men pace attack, while the hosts have also named Jitesh Sharma as the backup keeper.

<h3>Veterans return after a lengthy time off</h3>

For the first time since the last T20 World Cup semi-final in November 2022, where England thrashed India by 10 wickets in Adelaide, Rohit and Virat have returned to India’s T20I squad.

Given last year’s home 50-over World Cup was the focal point for all teams, including India, both remained unavailable for limited T20Is scheduled.&nbsp;

However, with 2024 being the T20 World Cup year (scheduled in June in the Caribbean and the USA), Rohit and Virat have returned to the final 16.

Their inclusion indicates the sign of things to come despite rumours of BCCI planning to name Hardik Pandya as the T20I captain and replacing Kohli with attacking Ishan Kishan for the number 3 slot for the marquee event.

Moreover, Ravindra Jadeja’s underwhelming show in South Africa prompted BCCI to name Axar Patel ahead of him.&nbsp;

India will play three T20Is against Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Veteran batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have returned to the side for the Afghanistan T20Is, as BCCI named a 16-man squad for the three-match series starting on January 11.

Veteran batters Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have returned to the side for the Afghanistan T20Is, as BCCI named a 16-man squad for the three-match series starting on January 11. The board picked a relatively inexperienced team with several top names missing, with Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav and Jasprit Bumrah being a few. Here is India’s T20I squad for the Afghanistan series – Rohit Sharma (captain), S Gill, Y Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, W Sundar, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan and Mukesh Kumar 🚨 NEWS 🚨#TeamIndia’s squad for @IDFCFIRSTBank T20I series against Afghanistan announced 🔽 Rohit Sharma (C), S Gill, Y Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, W Sundar, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav,… — BCCI (@BCCI) January 7, 2024 × Top players missing In the absence of several top names due to injuries, with Hardik Pandya (out with ankle injury), Suryakumar Yadav (out with ankle injury), and Ruturaj Gaikwad (out with finger injury) among others ruled out, India picked Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal as openers. ALSO READ: ‘Unhappy’ AB de Villiers blames T20 cricket’s rise for shorter South Africa-India Test series, raises concerns While Virat will bat at his favourite number 3 position, Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson are set to take up the middle-order spots. With the emergence of a new finisher in the team, Rinku Singh, the lower order looks sorted. The presence of two all-rounders, Shivam Dube and Axar Patel, helps India to tick off the attacker’s role. Washington Sundar’s inclusion also adds value to the team, as BCCI named two outright spinners in Ravi Bishnoi and Kuldeep Yadav. Arshdeep, Avesh and Mukesh compile the three-men pace attack, while the hosts have also named Jitesh Sharma as the backup keeper. Veterans return after a lengthy time off For the first time since the last T20 World Cup semi-final in November 2022, where England thrashed India by 10 wickets in Adelaide, Rohit and Virat have returned to India’s T20I squad. Given last year’s home 50-over World Cup was the focal point for all teams, including India, both remained unavailable for limited T20Is scheduled. However, with 2024 being the T20 World Cup year (scheduled in June in the Caribbean and the USA), Rohit and Virat have returned to the final 16. Their inclusion indicates the sign of things to come despite rumours of BCCI planning to name Hardik Pandya as the T20I captain and replacing Kohli with attacking Ishan Kishan for the number 3 slot for the marquee event. Moreover, Ravindra Jadeja’s underwhelming show in South Africa prompted BCCI to name Axar Patel ahead of him. India will play three T20Is against Afghanistan.

Rohit Sharma returns to lead India in Afghanistan T20Is, Kohli included in 16-man squad

With India’s squad selection announcement for the home T20I series against Afghanistan just around the corner, the BCCI selectors face a dilemma over naming a captain and the squad around. Considering both captain candidates (Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav) are recovering from respective injuries, the selection committee is undecided between picking a new skipper (looking at the future) and recalling veteran Rohit Sharma for the upcoming series.

Per the latest reports, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee has several factors to consider while picking the squad for Afghanistan T20Is. They have a choice to make between looking at preparing (the final 15) for the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup (in June in the West Indies and the USA) or naming a mix of experienced and younger players for this series and waiting for the IPL 2024 to end to finalise team for the marquee event.

Following the conclusion of the South Africa series, which ended with India winning their maiden Test at the Newlands in Cape Town, Cricbuzz reported that the board’s top brass approached veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli about their plans for the T20Is – to which both have agreed for a return to the side for the first time in more than a year.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-australia-and-england-must-share-its-wealth-with-other-nations-to-save-tests-urges-mike-baird-676829">Cricket's 'Big 3' must share its wealth with other nations to help sustain and grow Tests - Mike Baird</a>

While the selection committee’s mood is leaning towards picking a team for the future – with Shubman Gill likely to lead in everyone’s absence, the selectors are aware of Rohit Sharma’s credentials as a captain, especially in the white-ball format.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, as things stand, chief selector Agarkar is in South Africa with colleagues Shiv Sundar Das and Salil Ankola and will join Subrata Banerjee and S Sharath in India to take a final call on this. Rahul Dravid, the head coach, will have a crucial role to play in this.

<h2>Pandya to return during IPL 2024</h2>

The stand-in captain in the T20Is, Hardik Pandya, suffered an ankle injury during the Bangladesh game in the 2023 World Cup and has been out since. Though he was expected to get fit in time for the Afghanistan series, Pandya will now return during IPL 2024, starting on March 22.&nbsp;

Following the conclusion of the home World Cup, IPL franchise Mumbai Indians roped in Pandya (during the trade) and named him the new captain for the upcoming season. 
Pandya’s teammate, Suryakumar Yadav, is also out with an injury and will take around a month to recover.&nbsp;

With India’s squad selection announcement for the home T20I series against Afghanistan just around the corner, the BCCI selectors face a dilemma over naming a captain and the squad around.

With India’s squad selection announcement for the home T20I series against Afghanistan just around the corner, the BCCI selectors face a dilemma over naming a captain and the squad around. Considering both captain candidates (Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav) are recovering from respective injuries, the selection committee is undecided between picking a new skipper (looking at the future) and recalling veteran Rohit Sharma for the upcoming series. Per the latest reports, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee has several factors to consider while picking the squad for Afghanistan T20Is. They have a choice to make between looking at preparing (the final 15) for the upcoming 2024 T20 World Cup (in June in the West Indies and the USA) or naming a mix of experienced and younger players for this series and waiting for the IPL 2024 to end to finalise team for the marquee event. Following the conclusion of the South Africa series, which ended with India winning their maiden Test at the Newlands in Cape Town, Cricbuzz reported that the board’s top brass approached veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli about their plans for the T20Is – to which both have agreed for a return to the side for the first time in more than a year. ALSO READ: Cricket's 'Big 3' must share its wealth with other nations to help sustain and grow Tests - Mike Baird While the selection committee’s mood is leaning towards picking a team for the future – with Shubman Gill likely to lead in everyone’s absence, the selectors are aware of Rohit Sharma’s credentials as a captain, especially in the white-ball format. Meanwhile, as things stand, chief selector Agarkar is in South Africa with colleagues Shiv Sundar Das and Salil Ankola and will join Subrata Banerjee and S Sharath in India to take a final call on this. Rahul Dravid, the head coach, will have a crucial role to play in this. Pandya to return during IPL 2024 The stand-in captain in the T20Is, Hardik Pandya, suffered an ankle injury during the Bangladesh game in the 2023 World Cup and has been out since. Though he was expected to get fit in time for the Afghanistan series, Pandya will now return during IPL 2024, starting on March 22. Following the conclusion of the home World Cup, IPL franchise Mumbai Indians roped in Pandya (during the trade) and named him the new captain for the upcoming season. Pandya’s teammate, Suryakumar Yadav, is also out with an injury and will take around a month to recover.

IND vs AFG T20Is: BCCI face selection dilemma as captain candidates remain unavailable

Team India is expected to kick off their campaign in the 2024 T20 World Cup on June 5 when they face Ireland. Four days later, they will be taking on arch-rivals Pakistan in New York as the Men in Blue will play their group stage matches in the USA. If they qualify for the Super 8, they will play all their games in the West Indies, according to sources.

India's group stage schedule will see them facing the Irish camp on June 5, followed by a marquee face-off versus Pakistan on June 9. They will then take on co-hosts USA on June 12 before ending their group stage run versus Canada on June 15. All these&nbsp;games will be held in New York whereas their face-off versus Canada will take place in Florida.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sa-vs-ind-2nd-test-india-hold-the-edge-as-day-1-ends-with-23-wickets-falling-in-cape-town-676294">SA vs IND, 2nd Test: India hold the edge as Day 1 ends with 23 wickets falling in Cape Town</a>

T20 World Cup 2024 schedule for India in the group stages:

India vs Ireland - June 5 (New York) 
India vs Pakistan - June 9 (New York) 
India vs USA - June 12 (New York) 
India vs Canada - June 15 (Florida)

As per sources, India will play all their Super 8 encounters in the West Indies should they reach that far. Their first game is likely to take place on June 20&nbsp;in Barbados, whereas the tournament final is also expected to be held at the same venue&nbsp;on June 29.&nbsp;

India will be chasing their second T20 WC title after MS Dhoni-led team's glorious triumph in 2007, during the inaugural edition in South Africa. Since then, they have reached the semi-finals thrice and played the 2014 edition's final as well, where they lost to Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

It will be interesting to see if Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli feature in India's T20 WC squad. The duo have not played the format since India's 2022 T20 WC semi-final loss to eventual winners England, in Adelaide.&nbsp;

Team India is expected to kick off their campaign in the 2024 T20 World Cup on June 5 when they face Ireland. Four days later, they will be taking on arch-rivals Pakistan in New York as the Men in Blue will play their group stage matches in the USA.

Team India is expected to kick off their campaign in the 2024 T20 World Cup on June 5 when they face Ireland. Four days later, they will be taking on arch-rivals Pakistan in New York as the Men in Blue will play their group stage matches in the USA. If they qualify for the Super 8, they will play all their games in the West Indies, according to sources. India's group stage schedule will see them facing the Irish camp on June 5, followed by a marquee face-off versus Pakistan on June 9. They will then take on co-hosts USA on June 12 before ending their group stage run versus Canada on June 15. All these games will be held in New York whereas their face-off versus Canada will take place in Florida. Also read: SA vs IND, 2nd Test: India hold the edge as Day 1 ends with 23 wickets falling in Cape Town T20 World Cup 2024 schedule for India in the group stages: India vs Ireland - June 5 (New York) India vs Pakistan - June 9 (New York) India vs USA - June 12 (New York) India vs Canada - June 15 (Florida) As per sources, India will play all their Super 8 encounters in the West Indies should they reach that far. Their first game is likely to take place on June 20 in Barbados, whereas the tournament final is also expected to be held at the same venue on June 29. India will be chasing their second T20 WC title after MS Dhoni-led team's glorious triumph in 2007, during the inaugural edition in South Africa. Since then, they have reached the semi-finals thrice and played the 2014 edition's final as well, where they lost to Sri Lanka. It will be interesting to see if Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli feature in India's T20 WC squad. The duo have not played the format since India's 2022 T20 WC semi-final loss to eventual winners England, in Adelaide.

T20 WC 2024: India to kickoff campaign vs Ireland, set to face Pakistan on June 9, final likely in Barbados

India skipper Rohit Sharma blasted the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday (Jan 4) after his side beat hosts South Africa in the second Test match in Cape Town. After the seven-wicket win, the shortest Test match in the history of the format, Rohit took a dig at ICC and its rating policy for pitches. According to the Indian skipper, the Newlands pitch was a nightmare to play while downplaying ICC’s rating for the pitch used in Ahmedabad for the ODI World Cup final in November.

<h2>Rohit blasts ICC</h2>

"I still can't believe that the World Cup final pitch was rated below average. A batsman got a hundred there in the final. How can that be a poor pitch? So these are the things the ICC, the match referees, they need to look into and start rating pitches based on what they see, not based on the countries. I think that's quite important,” Rohit said in the post-match press conference.

Ahmedabad pitch was rated unsatisfactory according to the ICC when India lost to Australia in the World Cup final. Travis Head was declared Player of the Match having scored a hundred while almost 500 runs were scored in the match. However, according to Rohit’s reaction on Thursday, the pitch in Cape Town was a batter’s nightmare and ICC should rework its rating policy.

"Honestly, I would like to see how the pitches are rated. I want to see that. Whatever... that chart, I would love to see it, how they rate the pitches, because Mumbai, Bangalore, Cape Town, Centurion, all different venues, overhead conditions are different. The pitches deteriorate quite fast when the sun is beating down that hard on the pitch,” the skipper added.

<h2>What happened in the match?</h2>

After deciding to bat first on Day 1 on Wednesday, the hosts were bowled out for 55 in their first innings with Mohammed Siraj ending with figures of 15/6. In reply, India were bowled out for 153 after a record six ducks in their innings. Interestingly, India went from 105/2 to 153 all out, losing their last eight wickets for just 48 runs. In reply, South Africa came out to bat again on Day 1 and were 62/3 at Stumps as they trailed by 98 runs in the first innings.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/coaches-seniors-used-to-ask-david-warner-to-sledge-opposition-players-reveals-usman-khawaja-676525">Coaches, seniors used to ask David Warner to sledge opposition players, reveals Usman Khawaja</a>

Earlier on Day 2, India made sure they were on top but Aiden Markam stood firm to hold one end. Despite being a bowler-dominated contest Markram scored 106 before his side was bowled out for 176. Jasprit Bumrah was the star of the show for India with the ball as he ended with figures of 61/6 in the second innings. Mukesh Kumar ended with two while Siraj and Prashidh Krishna got one wicket each.

In reply India chased down their target in 12 overs, making sure they were part of the history books as the Cape Town Test went down as the shortest in the history of the game. Rohit Sharma scored an unbeaten 17 while Yashasvi Jaiswal was the top scorer with 28 while Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli scored 10 and 12 respectively.

India skipper Rohit Sharma blasted the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday (Jan 4) after his side beat hosts South Africa in the second Test match in Cape Town.

India skipper Rohit Sharma blasted the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday (Jan 4) after his side beat hosts South Africa in the second Test match in Cape Town. After the seven-wicket win, the shortest Test match in the history of the format, Rohit took a dig at ICC and its rating policy for pitches. According to the Indian skipper, the Newlands pitch was a nightmare to play while downplaying ICC’s rating for the pitch used in Ahmedabad for the ODI World Cup final in November. Rohit blasts ICC "I still can't believe that the World Cup final pitch was rated below average. A batsman got a hundred there in the final. How can that be a poor pitch? So these are the things the ICC, the match referees, they need to look into and start rating pitches based on what they see, not based on the countries. I think that's quite important,” Rohit said in the post-match press conference. Ahmedabad pitch was rated unsatisfactory according to the ICC when India lost to Australia in the World Cup final. Travis Head was declared Player of the Match having scored a hundred while almost 500 runs were scored in the match. However, according to Rohit’s reaction on Thursday, the pitch in Cape Town was a batter’s nightmare and ICC should rework its rating policy. "Honestly, I would like to see how the pitches are rated. I want to see that. Whatever... that chart, I would love to see it, how they rate the pitches, because Mumbai, Bangalore, Cape Town, Centurion, all different venues, overhead conditions are different. The pitches deteriorate quite fast when the sun is beating down that hard on the pitch,” the skipper added. What happened in the match? After deciding to bat first on Day 1 on Wednesday, the hosts were bowled out for 55 in their first innings with Mohammed Siraj ending with figures of 15/6. In reply, India were bowled out for 153 after a record six ducks in their innings. Interestingly, India went from 105/2 to 153 all out, losing their last eight wickets for just 48 runs. In reply, South Africa came out to bat again on Day 1 and were 62/3 at Stumps as they trailed by 98 runs in the first innings. ALSO READ | Coaches, seniors used to ask David Warner to sledge opposition players, reveals Usman Khawaja Earlier on Day 2, India made sure they were on top but Aiden Markam stood firm to hold one end. Despite being a bowler-dominated contest Markram scored 106 before his side was bowled out for 176. Jasprit Bumrah was the star of the show for India with the ball as he ended with figures of 61/6 in the second innings. Mukesh Kumar ended with two while Siraj and Prashidh Krishna got one wicket each. In reply India chased down their target in 12 overs, making sure they were part of the history books as the Cape Town Test went down as the shortest in the history of the game. Rohit Sharma scored an unbeaten 17 while Yashasvi Jaiswal was the top scorer with 28 while Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli scored 10 and 12 respectively.

SA vs IND 2nd Test: Rohit Sharma blasts ICC over pitch rating policy after India's win in Cape Town

India beat South Africa by seven wickets on Day Two of the second and final Test, at Newlands, Cape Town, on Thursday (Jan 4) to end the two-match series at a 1-1 stalemate in the African nation. This became India's maiden Test win at the venue and also only their second instance of drawing a red-ball series on South African soil.

With this, India jumped to the top spot in the updated ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points table. Rohit Sharma &amp; Co. gained 12 points following their inspiring series-levelling win to replace the Proteas from the top. It is to be noted that India ended 2023 at the sixth spot in the WTC points table after a big loss to South Africa in Centurion. Back then, SA took the top spot but India&nbsp;replaced them on Thursday.&nbsp;

Here is the updated points table of the WTC 2023-25 cycle:

<img alt="WTC points table 2023-25" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ab3b3b92-4ad4-4487-a3a6-6830e026d4d7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/WTC%2025.png" />

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sa-vs-ind-cape-town-test-scripts-world-record-after-indias-inspiring-win-676574">SA vs Ind: Cape Town Test scripts WORLD RECORD after India's inspiring win</a>

Talking about the Cape Town Test, SA opted to bat first.&nbsp;India rode on Mohammed Siraj's 6 for 15 to dismantle SA's batting order and dismiss them for a paltry 55. In reply, India managed 153 -- taking a vital 98-run lead -- before the hosts ended the day's play at 62 for 3. On Day Two, Jasprit Bumrah's 6 for 61 dismissed the African side for 176 despite opener Aiden Markram's 106. Chasing 79, India achieved&nbsp;the target in 12 overs. Thus, this also became the shortest Test ever, in terms of fewest balls bowled, which produced a result.

At the post-match presentation, a jubilant Indian skipper Rohit said, "A great feat. In Centurion, we had to learn from the mistakes. We came back very well, especially our bowlers. Had some plans and the boys got rewarded. We applied ourselves, we batted well to get a 100-run lead, not pleasing to see the last six wickets. We knew that it's going to be a short game, we knew every run matters, to get that lead was very important."

Hitman added, "We would have loved to win the series. South Africa is a great team, they always challenges&nbsp;us, they are such a good team. We can take a lot of pride from this performance."

India beat South Africa by seven wickets on Day Two of the second and final Test, at Newlands, Cape Town, on Thursday (Jan 4) to end the two-match series at a 1-1 stalemate in the African nation.

India beat South Africa by seven wickets on Day Two of the second and final Test, at Newlands, Cape Town, on Thursday (Jan 4) to end the two-match series at a 1-1 stalemate in the African nation. This became India's maiden Test win at the venue and also only their second instance of drawing a red-ball series on South African soil. With this, India jumped to the top spot in the updated ICC World Test Championship (WTC) points table. Rohit Sharma & Co. gained 12 points following their inspiring series-levelling win to replace the Proteas from the top. It is to be noted that India ended 2023 at the sixth spot in the WTC points table after a big loss to South Africa in Centurion. Back then, SA took the top spot but India replaced them on Thursday. Here is the updated points table of the WTC 2023-25 cycle: Also read: SA vs Ind: Cape Town Test scripts WORLD RECORD after India's inspiring win Talking about the Cape Town Test, SA opted to bat first. India rode on Mohammed Siraj's 6 for 15 to dismantle SA's batting order and dismiss them for a paltry 55. In reply, India managed 153 -- taking a vital 98-run lead -- before the hosts ended the day's play at 62 for 3. On Day Two, Jasprit Bumrah's 6 for 61 dismissed the African side for 176 despite opener Aiden Markram's 106. Chasing 79, India achieved the target in 12 overs. Thus, this also became the shortest Test ever, in terms of fewest balls bowled, which produced a result. At the post-match presentation, a jubilant Indian skipper Rohit said, "A great feat. In Centurion, we had to learn from the mistakes. We came back very well, especially our bowlers. Had some plans and the boys got rewarded. We applied ourselves, we batted well to get a 100-run lead, not pleasing to see the last six wickets. We knew that it's going to be a short game, we knew every run matters, to get that lead was very important." Hitman added, "We would have loved to win the series. South Africa is a great team, they always challenges us, they are such a good team. We can take a lot of pride from this performance."

Updated WTC 2023/25 standings: India claim top spot after historic win in Cape Town vs South Africa

India scripted history on Thursday (Jan 4) after they beat South Africa in the second Test match at the Newlands in Cape Town. The win for India scripted a&nbsp;piece of history as it went down in the record books as the shortest Test match by overs with only 107 played during the two-day affair. After the seven-wicket win India skipper Rohit Sharma credited fast bowlers and narrated that he kept things simple despite his side getting bowled out for 155 in the first innings.

<h2>Rohit praises Indian team after win</h2>

“We came back very well, especially our bowlers. Had some plans and the boys got rewarded. We applied ourselves, we batted well to get a 100-run lead, not pleasing to see the last six wickets. We knew that it was going to be a short game, we knew every run matters, to get that lead was very important. (On Siraj) Very special, something you don't get to see very often. We spoke about keeping things simple and that's what happened. The pitch did the rest. Lot of credit to Siraj, Bumrah, Mukesh and Prasidh. Whenever you come here, it's challenging,” Rohit said after India’s dominating win in Cape Town.

<h2>What happened in the match?</h2>

After deciding to bat first on Day 1 on Wednesday, the hosts were bowled out for 55 in their first innings with Mohammed Siraj ending with figures of 15/6. In reply, India were bowled out for 153 after a record six ducks in their innings. Interestingly, India went from 105/2 to 153 all out, losing their last eight wickets for just 48 runs. In reply, South Africa came out to bat again on Day 1 and were 62/3 at Stumps as they trailed by 98 runs in the first innings.

Earlier on Day 2, India made sure they were on top but Aiden Markam stood firm to hold one end. Despite being a bowler-dominated contest Markram scored 106 before his side was bowled out for 176. Jasprit Bumrah was the star of the show for India with the ball as he ended with figures of 61/6 in the second innings. Mukesh Kumar ended with two while Siraj and Prashidh Krishna got one wicket each.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/coaches-seniors-used-to-ask-david-warner-to-sledge-opposition-players-reveals-usman-khawaja-676525">Coaches, seniors used to ask David Warner to sledge opposition players, reveals Usman Khawaja</a>

In reply India chased down the&nbsp;target in 12 overs, making sure they were part of the history books as the Cape Town Test went down as the shortest in the history of the game. Rohit Sharma scored an unbeaten 17 while Yashasvi Jaiswal was the top scorer with 28 while Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli scored 10 and 12 respectively.

The win was also India’s first at the Newlands Cape Town in the Test format. They&nbsp;will now take on Afghanistan in the three-match T20I series starting on Thursday (January 11).

India scripted history on Thursday (Jan 4) after they beat South Africa in the second Test match at the Newlands in Cape Town. The win for India scripted a piece of history as it went down in the record books as the shortest Test match by overs with only 107 played during the two-day affair.

India scripted history on Thursday (Jan 4) after they beat South Africa in the second Test match at the Newlands in Cape Town. The win for India scripted a piece of history as it went down in the record books as the shortest Test match by overs with only 107 played during the two-day affair. After the seven-wicket win India skipper Rohit Sharma credited fast bowlers and narrated that he kept things simple despite his side getting bowled out for 155 in the first innings. Rohit praises Indian team after win “We came back very well, especially our bowlers. Had some plans and the boys got rewarded. We applied ourselves, we batted well to get a 100-run lead, not pleasing to see the last six wickets. We knew that it was going to be a short game, we knew every run matters, to get that lead was very important. (On Siraj) Very special, something you don't get to see very often. We spoke about keeping things simple and that's what happened. The pitch did the rest. Lot of credit to Siraj, Bumrah, Mukesh and Prasidh. Whenever you come here, it's challenging,” Rohit said after India’s dominating win in Cape Town. What happened in the match? After deciding to bat first on Day 1 on Wednesday, the hosts were bowled out for 55 in their first innings with Mohammed Siraj ending with figures of 15/6. In reply, India were bowled out for 153 after a record six ducks in their innings. Interestingly, India went from 105/2 to 153 all out, losing their last eight wickets for just 48 runs. In reply, South Africa came out to bat again on Day 1 and were 62/3 at Stumps as they trailed by 98 runs in the first innings. Earlier on Day 2, India made sure they were on top but Aiden Markam stood firm to hold one end. Despite being a bowler-dominated contest Markram scored 106 before his side was bowled out for 176. Jasprit Bumrah was the star of the show for India with the ball as he ended with figures of 61/6 in the second innings. Mukesh Kumar ended with two while Siraj and Prashidh Krishna got one wicket each. ALSO READ | Coaches, seniors used to ask David Warner to sledge opposition players, reveals Usman Khawaja In reply India chased down the target in 12 overs, making sure they were part of the history books as the Cape Town Test went down as the shortest in the history of the game. Rohit Sharma scored an unbeaten 17 while Yashasvi Jaiswal was the top scorer with 28 while Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli scored 10 and 12 respectively. The win was also India’s first at the Newlands Cape Town in the Test format. They will now take on Afghanistan in the three-match T20I series starting on Thursday (January 11).

SA vs IND, 2nd Test: Rohit Sharma reveals 'keeping things simple' helped India clinch Cape Town contest

On Thursday (Jan 4), India ended the second and final Test versus South Africa, at Newlands, Cape Town, with an impressive seven-wicket win. This marked their first-ever Test win&nbsp;at the venue as Rohit Sharma &amp; Co. ended the two-match series at 1-1. Thus, India ended with a drawn Test series&nbsp;in South Africa for only the second time -- after 2010/11 tour.

The match also scripted a world record of being the shortest Test ever, in terms of fewest balls bowled, which produced a result.&nbsp;

Fewest balls in a Test match (not drawn): 
642 - SA v IND at Cape Town, 2024 
656 - AUS v SA at Melbourne, 1932 
672 - WI v ENG at Bridgetown, 1935

The contest started off on a brilliant note for India on Day One. Being asked to bowl first, India rode on Mohammed Siraj's 6 for 15 to dismiss Dean Elgar-led Proteas for a mere 55 in 23.4 overs. Later in the day, India were bundled out for 153, managing a vital 98-run lead in the low-scoring contest. The day's play ended with the home side reeling at 62 for 3.

Despite Aiden Markram's sublime 106, SA were dismissed 176 on Day Two, courtesy of Jasprit Bumrah's six-fer. Chasing 79, India got to the target with seven wickets to spare.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sa-vs-ind-jasprit-bumrah-siraj-star-in-indias-maiden-win-in-cape-town-end-test-series-at-1-1-676550">SA vs IND: Jasprit Bumrah, Siraj star in India's maiden win in Cape Town, end Test series at 1-1</a>

At the post-match presentation, winning captain Rohit said, "A great feat. In Centurion, we had to learn from the mistakes. We came back very well, especially our bowlers. Had some plans and the boys got rewarded. We applied ourselves, we batted well to get a 100-run lead, not pleasing to see the last six wickets. We knew that it's going to be a short game, we knew every run matters, to get that lead was very important."

He added, "We would have loved to win the series. South Africa is a great team, they always challenges&nbsp;us, they are such a good team. We can take a lot of pride from this performance."

On Thursday (Jan 4), India ended the second and final Test versus South Africa, at Newlands, Cape Town, with an impressive seven-wicket win. This marked their first-ever Test win at the venue as Rohit Sharma & Co.

On Thursday (Jan 4), India ended the second and final Test versus South Africa, at Newlands, Cape Town, with an impressive seven-wicket win. This marked their first-ever Test win at the venue as Rohit Sharma & Co. ended the two-match series at 1-1. Thus, India ended with a drawn Test series in South Africa for only the second time -- after 2010/11 tour. The match also scripted a world record of being the shortest Test ever, in terms of fewest balls bowled, which produced a result. Fewest balls in a Test match (not drawn): 642 - SA v IND at Cape Town, 2024 656 - AUS v SA at Melbourne, 1932 672 - WI v ENG at Bridgetown, 1935 The contest started off on a brilliant note for India on Day One. Being asked to bowl first, India rode on Mohammed Siraj's 6 for 15 to dismiss Dean Elgar-led Proteas for a mere 55 in 23.4 overs. Later in the day, India were bundled out for 153, managing a vital 98-run lead in the low-scoring contest. The day's play ended with the home side reeling at 62 for 3. Despite Aiden Markram's sublime 106, SA were dismissed 176 on Day Two, courtesy of Jasprit Bumrah's six-fer. Chasing 79, India got to the target with seven wickets to spare. Also read: SA vs IND: Jasprit Bumrah, Siraj star in India's maiden win in Cape Town, end Test series at 1-1 At the post-match presentation, winning captain Rohit said, "A great feat. In Centurion, we had to learn from the mistakes. We came back very well, especially our bowlers. Had some plans and the boys got rewarded. We applied ourselves, we batted well to get a 100-run lead, not pleasing to see the last six wickets. We knew that it's going to be a short game, we knew every run matters, to get that lead was very important." He added, "We would have loved to win the series. South Africa is a great team, they always challenges us, they are such a good team. We can take a lot of pride from this performance."

SA vs Ind: Cape Town Test scripts WORLD RECORD after India's inspiring win

Day One of the second and final Test between India and South Africa, at Newlands Cape Town, saw as many as 23 wickets falling on Wednesday (Jan 3). Opting to bat first, the Dean Elgar-led Proteas were dismissed for a paltry 55, lowest total by any team against India in the format, courtesy of&nbsp;Mohammed Siraj's 6 for 15. After the tea break, India were 153 for 4 before the SA pacers -- Lungi Ngidi (3 for 30), Kagiso Rabada (3 for 30) and Nandre Burger (3 for 42) -- combined to dismiss them at the&nbsp;same score.

Despite a 98-run lead, India weren't too ahead when Proteas came out to bat in the final session. At stumps, the hosts are 62 for 3 with debutant Mukesh Kumar striking twice. Thus, Rohit Sharma &amp; Co., despite an ordinary performance with the bat, are ahead with a slender lead of 36. From SA's perspective, they have opener Aiden Markram (36 not out) in the middle, who&nbsp;will hope to take his side beyond India's lead and setup&nbsp;a stiff target. Needless to say, batting won't be easy on the second day as well.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/2nd-test-from-153-for-4-to-153-all-out-india-collapse-in-unimaginable-manner-in-reply-to-sas-55-676273">2nd Test: From 153 for 4 to 153 all-out! India collapse in UNIMAGINABLE manner in reply to SA's 55</a>

Talking about the entire day's play, Siraj wreaked havoc with a six-fer. He&nbsp;removed the likes of Aiden Markram, Elgar, Tony de Zorzi,&nbsp;David Bedingham,&nbsp;Kyle Verreynne and&nbsp;Marco Jansen as Proteas fell for their lowest score since readmission in 1992.&nbsp;

Lowest all-out totals for South Africa since their readmission 
55 vs India, Cape Town, 2024 
73 vs Sri Lanka, Galle, 2018 
79 vs India, Nagpur, 2015 
83 vs England, Johannesburg, 2016 
84 vs India, Johannesburg, 2006

Lowest all-out totals vs India in Tests 
55 - South Africa, Cape Town, 2024 
62 - New Zealand, Mumbai WS, 2021 
79 - South Africa, Nagpur, 2015 
81 - England, Ahmedabad, 2021 
82 - Sri Lanka, Chandigarh, 1990

In reply, India had a decent start and were 71 for 1 at one stage before being reduced to 110 for 4 and eventually&nbsp;falling for 153 --&nbsp;their last six wickets failing to add a single run (first-time ever in Test cricket history).

Most wickets falling on a particular score in a Test innings 
6 (153/4 to 153 all-out) - IND vs SA, Cape Town 2024 
5 (37/2 to 37/7) - NZ vs AUS, Wellington, 1946 
5 (59/4 to 59/9) - NZ vs PAK, Rawalpindi CC, 1965 
5 (133/2 to 133/7) - NZ vs SA, Hamilton, 2012 
5 (134/5 to 134 all-out) - BAN vs ZIM, Harare, 2013

In their second essay, SA lost Elgar twice on the day. The left-hander, who is playing his final Test, departed for 12 and received a standing ovation from the crowd. He is also leading the side with regular captain Temba Bavuma injured since Day One of the first Test in Centurion.&nbsp;

Most wickets on a single day in Tests 
27 - ENG vs AUS, Lord’s, 1888 (Day 2) 
25 - AUS vs ENG, Melbourne, 1902 (Day 1) 
24 - ENG vs AUS, The Oval, 1896 (Day 2) 
24 - IND vs AFG, Bengaluru, 2018 (Day 2) 
23 - SA vs AUS, Cape Town, 2011 (Day 2) 
23 - SA vs IND, Cape Town, 2024 (Day 1)

After an eventful Day One, all eyes are now on how the second day's play shapes up in Cape Town. SA lead the two-match series 1-0 after a big win in the&nbsp;opening Test.

Day One of the second and final Test between India and South Africa, at Newlands Cape Town, saw as many as 23 wickets falling on Wednesday (Jan 3). Opting to bat first, the Dean Elgar-led Proteas were dismissed for a paltry 55, lowest total by any team against India in the format, courtesy of Mohammed Siraj's 6 for 15.

Day One of the second and final Test between India and South Africa, at Newlands Cape Town, saw as many as 23 wickets falling on Wednesday (Jan 3). Opting to bat first, the Dean Elgar-led Proteas were dismissed for a paltry 55, lowest total by any team against India in the format, courtesy of Mohammed Siraj's 6 for 15. After the tea break, India were 153 for 4 before the SA pacers -- Lungi Ngidi (3 for 30), Kagiso Rabada (3 for 30) and Nandre Burger (3 for 42) -- combined to dismiss them at the same score. Despite a 98-run lead, India weren't too ahead when Proteas came out to bat in the final session. At stumps, the hosts are 62 for 3 with debutant Mukesh Kumar striking twice. Thus, Rohit Sharma & Co., despite an ordinary performance with the bat, are ahead with a slender lead of 36. From SA's perspective, they have opener Aiden Markram (36 not out) in the middle, who will hope to take his side beyond India's lead and setup a stiff target. Needless to say, batting won't be easy on the second day as well. Also read: 2nd Test: From 153 for 4 to 153 all-out! India collapse in UNIMAGINABLE manner in reply to SA's 55 Talking about the entire day's play, Siraj wreaked havoc with a six-fer. He removed the likes of Aiden Markram, Elgar, Tony de Zorzi, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne and Marco Jansen as Proteas fell for their lowest score since readmission in 1992. Lowest all-out totals for South Africa since their readmission 55 vs India, Cape Town, 2024 73 vs Sri Lanka, Galle, 2018 79 vs India, Nagpur, 2015 83 vs England, Johannesburg, 2016 84 vs India, Johannesburg, 2006 Lowest all-out totals vs India in Tests 55 - South Africa, Cape Town, 2024 62 - New Zealand, Mumbai WS, 2021 79 - South Africa, Nagpur, 2015 81 - England, Ahmedabad, 2021 82 - Sri Lanka, Chandigarh, 1990 In reply, India had a decent start and were 71 for 1 at one stage before being reduced to 110 for 4 and eventually falling for 153 -- their last six wickets failing to add a single run (first-time ever in Test cricket history). Most wickets falling on a particular score in a Test innings 6 (153/4 to 153 all-out) - IND vs SA, Cape Town 2024 5 (37/2 to 37/7) - NZ vs AUS, Wellington, 1946 5 (59/4 to 59/9) - NZ vs PAK, Rawalpindi CC, 1965 5 (133/2 to 133/7) - NZ vs SA, Hamilton, 2012 5 (134/5 to 134 all-out) - BAN vs ZIM, Harare, 2013 In their second essay, SA lost Elgar twice on the day. The left-hander, who is playing his final Test, departed for 12 and received a standing ovation from the crowd. He is also leading the side with regular captain Temba Bavuma injured since Day One of the first Test in Centurion. Most wickets on a single day in Tests 27 - ENG vs AUS, Lord’s, 1888 (Day 2) 25 - AUS vs ENG, Melbourne, 1902 (Day 1) 24 - ENG vs AUS, The Oval, 1896 (Day 2) 24 - IND vs AFG, Bengaluru, 2018 (Day 2) 23 - SA vs AUS, Cape Town, 2011 (Day 2) 23 - SA vs IND, Cape Town, 2024 (Day 1) After an eventful Day One, all eyes are now on how the second day's play shapes up in Cape Town. SA lead the two-match series 1-0 after a big win in the opening Test.

SA vs IND, 2nd Test: India hold the edge as Day 1 ends with 23 wickets falling in Cape Town

Former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar slammed South Africa's decision to bat first on Day One of the second and final Test versus India at Newlands, Cape Town on Wednesday (Jan 3) after Dean Elgar &amp; Co. were dismissed for a paltry 55 in the opening session. Riding on Mohammed Siraj's 6 for 15, Rohit Sharma-led India bundled out the Proteas for 55 (i.e. the lowest&nbsp;total&nbsp;by any team against India in Tests) in 23.2 overs on a pitch with fair amount of grass.

<h2>'I think you've also got to look at the psychology of the Indian team'</h2>

Speaking on Star Sports, Gavaskar stated, "Well, I tell you what I was a bit surprised by what happened. Because a lot of times, captains and coaches make a deal about what the pitch is gonna be. I think you've also got to look at the psychology of the Indian team, having been defeated in three days, having batted so poorly in the second innings and gonna be batting first on a fresh pitch would have been just a little bit defensive. And I have thought that be South Africans with the fast bowlers that they have in their lineup could look to take advantage of the fact that they have not played any cricket in between and therefore put them put them in."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-mohammed-siraj-wreaks-havoc-with-ball-as-proteas-get-off-to-poor-start-in-cape-town-676157">WATCH: Mohammed Siraj wreaks havoc with ball as Proteas crumble for 55 in Cape Tow</a>n

Gavaskar cited the example of Australia when they decided to bat first at the MCG, Melbourne in the second Test of the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy versus India, after winning the series opener by dismissing the visitors for 36 in Adelaide.

In this regard, he said, "Something similar happened in Australia two years ago, Australia dismissed India for 36. The next Test played in Melbourne, where the grass on the pitch was three millimetres more than the one at Adelaide. Australia batted first. India dismissed them for 190 got back in the game&nbsp;and they came into the bat on Day two. Here, it's not Day two. The pitch had eased up considerably."

He added, "I mean, if I was the captain, I would have said 'No, I'm going to try and take advantage of the fact that they are not certain I'd like to insert India in'."

At the time of publishing this report, India have taken the lead over the Proteas and are 101 for 2 with Shubman Gil and former captain Virat Kohli batting in the middle. Rohit &amp; Co. will look for a sizeable lead and add more pressure on the hosts.&nbsp;

SA lead the two-match series 1-0 after winning the first Test by an innings and 32 runs in Centurion.

Former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar slammed South Africa's decision to bat first on Day One of the second and final Test versus India at Newlands, Cape Town on Wednesday (Jan 3) after Dean Elgar & Co.

Former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar slammed South Africa's decision to bat first on Day One of the second and final Test versus India at Newlands, Cape Town on Wednesday (Jan 3) after Dean Elgar & Co. were dismissed for a paltry 55 in the opening session. Riding on Mohammed Siraj's 6 for 15, Rohit Sharma-led India bundled out the Proteas for 55 (i.e. the lowest total by any team against India in Tests) in 23.2 overs on a pitch with fair amount of grass. 'I think you've also got to look at the psychology of the Indian team' Speaking on Star Sports, Gavaskar stated, "Well, I tell you what I was a bit surprised by what happened. Because a lot of times, captains and coaches make a deal about what the pitch is gonna be. I think you've also got to look at the psychology of the Indian team, having been defeated in three days, having batted so poorly in the second innings and gonna be batting first on a fresh pitch would have been just a little bit defensive. And I have thought that be South Africans with the fast bowlers that they have in their lineup could look to take advantage of the fact that they have not played any cricket in between and therefore put them put them in." Also read: WATCH: Mohammed Siraj wreaks havoc with ball as Proteas crumble for 55 in Cape Town Gavaskar cited the example of Australia when they decided to bat first at the MCG, Melbourne in the second Test of the 2020/21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy versus India, after winning the series opener by dismissing the visitors for 36 in Adelaide. In this regard, he said, "Something similar happened in Australia two years ago, Australia dismissed India for 36. The next Test played in Melbourne, where the grass on the pitch was three millimetres more than the one at Adelaide. Australia batted first. India dismissed them for 190 got back in the game and they came into the bat on Day two. Here, it's not Day two. The pitch had eased up considerably." He added, "I mean, if I was the captain, I would have said 'No, I'm going to try and take advantage of the fact that they are not certain I'd like to insert India in'." At the time of publishing this report, India have taken the lead over the Proteas and are 101 for 2 with Shubman Gil and former captain Virat Kohli batting in the middle. Rohit & Co. will look for a sizeable lead and add more pressure on the hosts. SA lead the two-match series 1-0 after winning the first Test by an innings and 32 runs in Centurion.

I was a bit surprised: Sunil Gavaskar questions SA's call to bat first after being all-out for 55 in 2nd Test

Before India takes on South Africa in the second and final Test, in Cape Town, former Indian cricketer and chief selector Kris Srikkanth has lashed out at Rohit Sharma &amp; Co., claiming they are 'overrated' in Tests and 'highly overrated' in T20Is. Srikkanth feels India are resting on past laurels in Test cricket, achieved during Virat Kohli's captaincy era, and feels&nbsp;the national side should not read much into the ICC Team Rankings, where they are No. 1 across formats.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth said, "In T20 cricket India are highly over-rated. ODI cricket, we are a fantastic team. What happens in ODIs, in the semi-finals, finals, it's just a one-off match. It's a luck factor, a lot depends on luck in these matches. I read Rohit Sharma's statement, for a cricketer, the 50-over World Cup is a huge achievement. We are sometimes underperforming in the knockout matches, into the semi-finals and the final. But we are a gun side in ODI. Regardless of where we play, be it India, Australia or South Africa, we are a gun side."

<h2>'When Virat Kohli was the Test captain...'</h2>

He further stated, "Test cricket, we are over-rated. We have to make sure... I think it was a phase of 2-3 years... when Virat Kohli was the captain of the team, we were outstanding. We dominated in England, we fought hard in South Africa, we won in Australia. We had a good phase for 2-4 years. Yes, we were dominating in England, in Australia."

Srikkanth, however, feels that since then India have been resting on past laurels in the purest format. After Kohli quit&nbsp;Test captaincy, India lost the one-off Test versus England in July 2022, lost the WTC final in June 2023 and failed to win the first Test of the ongoing two-match&nbsp;series versus South Africa in Centurion, last month.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tests-needs-to-be-protected-india-captain-rohit-sharma-ahead-of-cape-town-test-vs-sa-675934">Test cricket is the ultimate challenge: India captain Rohit Sharma ahead of Cape Town Test vs SA</a>

The 1983 World Cup-winner urged, "We have to forget ICC ranking. We are always 1-2, 1-2. It's a combination of having over-rated cricketers and people who have not performed up to their potential. Or there are players who have not enough chances like Kuldeeep (Yadav)."

"If you want to be the best team, you should be capable of being the giants in their home grounds. That is what we did when Rishabh Pant was firing. But you can keep on talking that we scored in Australia, we scored in England. You can sing the same song, you won't move forward if you rest on past laurels. You have to just look at how you have performed in the last 2 years, last 18 months," concluded Srikkanth.

India ended 2023 as the No. 1 ranked side across formats. However, they failed to win the WTC final and ended as runners-up even in the home ODI World Cup, which ended on Nov 19 last year.

India's last ICC triumph came in 2013 Champions Trophy, under MS Dhoni. Since then, they have competed very well in all major events but failed to grab hold of the silverware.

At present, Rohit &amp; Co. are gearing up for the two-match Test series finale versus hosts South Africa, at Newlands, Cape Town, which starts on Jan 3 (Wednesday). The visitors lost the first Test by an innings and 32 runs, in Centurion.

Before India takes on South Africa in the second and final Test, in Cape Town, former Indian cricketer and chief selector Kris Srikkanth has lashed out at Rohit Sharma & Co.

Before India takes on South Africa in the second and final Test, in Cape Town, former Indian cricketer and chief selector Kris Srikkanth has lashed out at Rohit Sharma & Co., claiming they are 'overrated' in Tests and 'highly overrated' in T20Is. Srikkanth feels India are resting on past laurels in Test cricket, achieved during Virat Kohli's captaincy era, and feels the national side should not read much into the ICC Team Rankings, where they are No. 1 across formats. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth said, "In T20 cricket India are highly over-rated. ODI cricket, we are a fantastic team. What happens in ODIs, in the semi-finals, finals, it's just a one-off match. It's a luck factor, a lot depends on luck in these matches. I read Rohit Sharma's statement, for a cricketer, the 50-over World Cup is a huge achievement. We are sometimes underperforming in the knockout matches, into the semi-finals and the final. But we are a gun side in ODI. Regardless of where we play, be it India, Australia or South Africa, we are a gun side." 'When Virat Kohli was the Test captain...' He further stated, "Test cricket, we are over-rated. We have to make sure... I think it was a phase of 2-3 years... when Virat Kohli was the captain of the team, we were outstanding. We dominated in England, we fought hard in South Africa, we won in Australia. We had a good phase for 2-4 years. Yes, we were dominating in England, in Australia." Srikkanth, however, feels that since then India have been resting on past laurels in the purest format. After Kohli quit Test captaincy, India lost the one-off Test versus England in July 2022, lost the WTC final in June 2023 and failed to win the first Test of the ongoing two-match series versus South Africa in Centurion, last month. Also read: Test cricket is the ultimate challenge: India captain Rohit Sharma ahead of Cape Town Test vs SA The 1983 World Cup-winner urged, "We have to forget ICC ranking. We are always 1-2, 1-2. It's a combination of having over-rated cricketers and people who have not performed up to their potential. Or there are players who have not enough chances like Kuldeeep (Yadav)." "If you want to be the best team, you should be capable of being the giants in their home grounds. That is what we did when Rishabh Pant was firing. But you can keep on talking that we scored in Australia, we scored in England. You can sing the same song, you won't move forward if you rest on past laurels. You have to just look at how you have performed in the last 2 years, last 18 months," concluded Srikkanth. India ended 2023 as the No. 1 ranked side across formats. However, they failed to win the WTC final and ended as runners-up even in the home ODI World Cup, which ended on Nov 19 last year. India's last ICC triumph came in 2013 Champions Trophy, under MS Dhoni. Since then, they have competed very well in all major events but failed to grab hold of the silverware. At present, Rohit & Co. are gearing up for the two-match Test series finale versus hosts South Africa, at Newlands, Cape Town, which starts on Jan 3 (Wednesday). The visitors lost the first Test by an innings and 32 runs, in Centurion.

‘India overrated in Tests and highly overrated in T20Is’: Kris Srikkanth lashes out at Rohit Sharma & Co.

Ever since South Africa announced a second-stringed side for their upcoming two away Tests versus New Zealand, amid SA20's second season, there has been a lot of talk on Test cricket's downfall. The likes of Steve Waugh, Usman Khawaja, Michael Clarke, Australia captain Pat Cummins have spoken at length on Test cricket and how it is being least preferred by many cricket board owing to franchise cricket's popularity.

Ahead of India's second and final Test versus South Africa, at Newlands, Cape Town, Indian captain Rohit Sharma reacted to SA's second-stringed squad and stressed on the importance of the longer format. Hitman feels 'Test cricket is the ultimate challenge' and needs to be protected' at all costs.

Speaking to the reporters, Rohit said on Tuesday (Jan 2), "Honestly, for me Test cricket is the ultimate challenge and you would want to see the best players playing in that format. Everyone has their own problems to deal with. I am pretty sure there is a reason behind it I don't know what the reason is. Definitely, Test cricket is something where you want to see the best cricket being played, best and top players being available."

“I don't know what the internal talks or what the discussions are in Cricket South Africa. But in my perspective a lot of thought should be given to Test cricket because it is the ultimate challenge you face in this sport and we want to be challenged every day,” Rohit further opined.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sa-vs-ind-2nd-test-rohit-sharma-aims-to-equal-ms-dhonis-rare-captaincy-feat-in-series-decider-675825">SA vs Ind, 2nd Test: Rohit Sharma aims to equal MS Dhoni’s rare captaincy feat in series decider</a>

Rohit stressed on the need to collectively protect the format. He stated, "Test cricket is something that we have to protect and give importance to. It's not the responsibility of one or two nations, it is the responsibility of all Test playing countries to make sure that we keep it nice and entertaining."

"If you see around the world, a lot of solid Test cricket is being played. In the last 2-3 years, you've seen results everywhere. It's competitive cricket, we know that and it's everyone's duty to make sure that it stays nice and healthy, and it stays competitive. At the end of the day, that is what people would want to come and watch,” Hitman added.

Talking about India's second and final Test versus the Proteas, they need to stage a comeback and end the series on a high after losing the opening match by an innings and 32 runs in Centurion. So far, India have avoided a Test series loss only once in the African nation, out of the nine series since 1992, when MS Dhoni &amp; Co. returned with a 1-1 scoreline in 2010/11. Rohit-led India will look to emulate that rare feat in the series finale.&nbsp;

<h2>India's likely XI for Cape Town Test vs SA</h2>

Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Abhimanyu Easwaran, KL Rahul (WK), KS Bharat (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Prasidh Krishna, Mukesh Kumar, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, Avesh Khan.

Ever since South Africa announced a second-stringed side for their upcoming two away Tests versus New Zealand, amid SA20's second season, there has been a lot of talk on Test cricket's downfall.

Ever since South Africa announced a second-stringed side for their upcoming two away Tests versus New Zealand, amid SA20's second season, there has been a lot of talk on Test cricket's downfall. The likes of Steve Waugh, Usman Khawaja, Michael Clarke, Australia captain Pat Cummins have spoken at length on Test cricket and how it is being least preferred by many cricket board owing to franchise cricket's popularity. Ahead of India's second and final Test versus South Africa, at Newlands, Cape Town, Indian captain Rohit Sharma reacted to SA's second-stringed squad and stressed on the importance of the longer format. Hitman feels 'Test cricket is the ultimate challenge' and needs to be protected' at all costs. Speaking to the reporters, Rohit said on Tuesday (Jan 2), "Honestly, for me Test cricket is the ultimate challenge and you would want to see the best players playing in that format. Everyone has their own problems to deal with. I am pretty sure there is a reason behind it I don't know what the reason is. Definitely, Test cricket is something where you want to see the best cricket being played, best and top players being available." “I don't know what the internal talks or what the discussions are in Cricket South Africa. But in my perspective a lot of thought should be given to Test cricket because it is the ultimate challenge you face in this sport and we want to be challenged every day,” Rohit further opined. Also read: SA vs Ind, 2nd Test: Rohit Sharma aims to equal MS Dhoni’s rare captaincy feat in series decider Rohit stressed on the need to collectively protect the format. He stated, "Test cricket is something that we have to protect and give importance to. It's not the responsibility of one or two nations, it is the responsibility of all Test playing countries to make sure that we keep it nice and entertaining." "If you see around the world, a lot of solid Test cricket is being played. In the last 2-3 years, you've seen results everywhere. It's competitive cricket, we know that and it's everyone's duty to make sure that it stays nice and healthy, and it stays competitive. At the end of the day, that is what people would want to come and watch,” Hitman added. Talking about India's second and final Test versus the Proteas, they need to stage a comeback and end the series on a high after losing the opening match by an innings and 32 runs in Centurion. So far, India have avoided a Test series loss only once in the African nation, out of the nine series since 1992, when MS Dhoni & Co. returned with a 1-1 scoreline in 2010/11. Rohit-led India will look to emulate that rare feat in the series finale. India's likely XI for Cape Town Test vs SA Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Abhimanyu Easwaran, KL Rahul (WK), KS Bharat (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Prasidh Krishna, Mukesh Kumar, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, Avesh Khan.

Test cricket is the ultimate challenge: India captain Rohit Sharma ahead of Cape Town Test vs SA

India will lock horns with South Africa in the second and final Test at&nbsp;Newlands,&nbsp;Cape Town&nbsp;on Tuesday (Jan 3). After losing the series opener, in Centurion, by an innings and 32 runs, India have their task cut out to end the series at 1-1. The visitors have already lost a golden opportunity to win their maiden Test series on African soil&nbsp;but they will hope to end it on a high.

Captain Rohit Sharma is also aiming to equal former Indian skipper MS Dhoni's rare captaincy feat. If India win the second Test, in Cape Town, Rohit will become only the second Indian captain after Dhoni to avoid a Test series loss in South Africa. So far, India have toured the African nation for Test series on nine occasions since 1992. Only once have they managed to draw a red-ball series in the Rainbow nation. Under Dhoni, India achieved the rare feat during their 2010-11 tour of South Africa.

Back then, Dhoni-led India drew a three-match Test series at 1-1. Thus, Rohit will look to become the second Indian captain to achieve this elite feat. &nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aus-vs-pak-3rd-test-shaheen-afridi-rested-for-dead-rubber-clash-at-scg-imam-dropped-in-favour-of-saim-ayub-675786">AUS vs PAK, 3rd Test: Shaheen Afridi rested for dead-rubber clash at SCG; Imam dropped in favour of Saim Ayub</a>

Talking about the first Test, South Africa won the toss and opted to field first. They bundled out India for 245 with KL Rahul top-scoring with a majestic 101. Kagiso Rabada ended with 5 for 59. In reply, the Proteas rode on Dean Elgar's impressive 185,&nbsp;Marco Jansen's 84 and&nbsp;David Bedingham's 56 to post 408 all-out. With a lead of 163, the home side dismissed the Indians for a paltry 131 with Nandre Burger, 4 for 33, and Jansen 3 for 36 leading the charge with the ball.&nbsp;

Rohit-led India will look to put up a more clinical performance this time around&nbsp;and end the series at 1-1.

India will lock horns with South Africa in the second and final Test at Newlands, Cape Town on Tuesday (Jan 3). After losing the series opener, in Centurion, by an innings and 32 runs, India have their task cut out to end the series at 1-1.

India will lock horns with South Africa in the second and final Test at Newlands, Cape Town on Tuesday (Jan 3). After losing the series opener, in Centurion, by an innings and 32 runs, India have their task cut out to end the series at 1-1. The visitors have already lost a golden opportunity to win their maiden Test series on African soil but they will hope to end it on a high. Captain Rohit Sharma is also aiming to equal former Indian skipper MS Dhoni's rare captaincy feat. If India win the second Test, in Cape Town, Rohit will become only the second Indian captain after Dhoni to avoid a Test series loss in South Africa. So far, India have toured the African nation for Test series on nine occasions since 1992. Only once have they managed to draw a red-ball series in the Rainbow nation. Under Dhoni, India achieved the rare feat during their 2010-11 tour of South Africa. Back then, Dhoni-led India drew a three-match Test series at 1-1. Thus, Rohit will look to become the second Indian captain to achieve this elite feat. Also read: AUS vs PAK, 3rd Test: Shaheen Afridi rested for dead-rubber clash at SCG; Imam dropped in favour of Saim Ayub Talking about the first Test, South Africa won the toss and opted to field first. They bundled out India for 245 with KL Rahul top-scoring with a majestic 101. Kagiso Rabada ended with 5 for 59. In reply, the Proteas rode on Dean Elgar's impressive 185, Marco Jansen's 84 and David Bedingham's 56 to post 408 all-out. With a lead of 163, the home side dismissed the Indians for a paltry 131 with Nandre Burger, 4 for 33, and Jansen 3 for 36 leading the charge with the ball. Rohit-led India will look to put up a more clinical performance this time around and end the series at 1-1.

SA vs Ind, 2nd Test: Rohit Sharma aims to equal MS Dhoni’s rare captaincy feat in series decider

Former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar has lauded Indian cricket for a successful run in the just-concluded 2023. Talking about the Indian cricket's achievements, the senior men's team won the Asia Cup and ended as runners-up in the home ODI World Cup and WTC final whereas the Harmanpreet Kaur-led women's team clinched gold in Asian Games and ended the year with a Test win each over England and Australia, in Mumbai, in December.

In addition,&nbsp;the Shafali Varma-led Indian team won the U-19 Women's T20 World Cup in South Africa. Thus, Gavaskar heaped praise on Indian cricket's magnificent run but rued Rohit Sharma &amp; Co.'s ODI WC final loss to Australia in Ahmedabad on Nov 19.

Speaking on Star Sports show 'Follow the Blues', Gavaskar spoke highly of the women's team and said, "I think it's been a fantastic year for both the men's and the women's team, particularly the way the women's team has performed. Those two Test wins towards the year-end, one against England and one against Australia, both teams against whom the Indian women's team have had tough times earlier on."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/kl-rahul-had-a-great-2023-in-odis-ex-india-pacer-venkatesh-prasad-wants-batter-to-realise-true-potential-675478">KL Rahul had great run in 2023 ODIs: Ex-India pacer Venkatesh Prasad wants batter to 'realise true potential'</a>

He shifted his focus to the ODI WC at home as well. He added, "That's been the most exciting aspect of cricket apart from, of course, what we saw in the World Cup. The 10 straight wins, and, then, just that one bad day, which sadly happened to be the finals of the World Cup. So really some exciting times in 2023."

Harman-led Indian eves won their first Test over Australia&nbsp;since their first meeting back in 1977. Apart from this, the just-concluded year also saw the advent of the Women's Premier League (WPL) in India.&nbsp;

Talking about the senior men's team, they dominated at home, won their eighth Asia Cup title in September but lost two big finals to Australia, i.e. during the WTC 2021-23 cycle's finale&nbsp;and ODI WC.

Former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar has lauded Indian cricket for a successful run in the just-concluded 2023. Talking about the Indian cricket's achievements, the senior men's team won the Asia Cup and ended as runners-up in the home ODI World Cup and WTC final whereas the Harmanpreet Kaur-led women's team clinched gold in Asian Games and ended the year with a Test win each over England and Australia, in Mumbai, in December.

Former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar has lauded Indian cricket for a successful run in the just-concluded 2023. Talking about the Indian cricket's achievements, the senior men's team won the Asia Cup and ended as runners-up in the home ODI World Cup and WTC final whereas the Harmanpreet Kaur-led women's team clinched gold in Asian Games and ended the year with a Test win each over England and Australia, in Mumbai, in December. In addition, the Shafali Varma-led Indian team won the U-19 Women's T20 World Cup in South Africa. Thus, Gavaskar heaped praise on Indian cricket's magnificent run but rued Rohit Sharma & Co.'s ODI WC final loss to Australia in Ahmedabad on Nov 19. Speaking on Star Sports show 'Follow the Blues', Gavaskar spoke highly of the women's team and said, "I think it's been a fantastic year for both the men's and the women's team, particularly the way the women's team has performed. Those two Test wins towards the year-end, one against England and one against Australia, both teams against whom the Indian women's team have had tough times earlier on." Also read: KL Rahul had great run in 2023 ODIs: Ex-India pacer Venkatesh Prasad wants batter to 'realise true potential' He shifted his focus to the ODI WC at home as well. He added, "That's been the most exciting aspect of cricket apart from, of course, what we saw in the World Cup. The 10 straight wins, and, then, just that one bad day, which sadly happened to be the finals of the World Cup. So really some exciting times in 2023." Harman-led Indian eves won their first Test over Australia since their first meeting back in 1977. Apart from this, the just-concluded year also saw the advent of the Women's Premier League (WPL) in India. Talking about the senior men's team, they dominated at home, won their eighth Asia Cup title in September but lost two big finals to Australia, i.e. during the WTC 2021-23 cycle's finale and ODI WC.

Sunil Gavaskar LAUDS Indian cricket for successful 2023 barring ‘just one bad day’ in ODI World Cup final

India skipper Rohit Sharma has defended the bowlers after the humiliating defeat in the Boxing Day Test against South Africa in Centurion. The game lasted just three days, with India losing by an innings and 32 runs. Sharma, speaking at the post-match presentation, said that the bowlers did try their best but it just didn't work.

"Bumrah bowled well," Rohit said. "We all know his quality. All he wanted was a bit of support from the other side, which he didn't get. To be honest, that happens (once in a while).

"All the other three bowlers, they were trying really hard, bending their back, but it just didn't work out. Didn't happen the way we would have wanted to. But again, games like this teach you a lot of things, what you need to do as a group, as a bowling group. Hopefully, they can understand what went wrong, and then try and come back a little stronger from this game," he added.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/haris-rauf-should-have-played-tests-vs-australia-instead-of-bbl-says-former-pak-skipper-shahid-afridi-674540">'Haris Rauf should have played Tests vs Australia instead of BBL,' says former Pak skipper Shahid Afridi</a>

India batted decently in the first innings, scoring 245 runs in tricky conditions, thanks largely to KL Rahul's eighth Test century. The bowlers, however, couldn't capitalise despite the conditions being friendly. While Bumrah and Siraj largely looked unplayable, they couldn't draw many edges and the pressure couldn't be built from the other side - especially by Prasidh Krishna.

Rohit, nonetheless, defended Krishna who made his debut for India in the whites but agreed that the inexperience was there.

"Look, a little bit inexperience, of course, but he has got the tools to come out here and play the game," the skipper said.&nbsp;

"Prasidh has been with the Indian team. Not around the Test team, but he has played a lot of white-ball cricket for us in the last two or three years, and he has shown that he has got a lot of potential. Obviously, it didn't work out well for him playing his first game, but we all were nervous when we played our first game," he added.

The second and final Test between South Africa and India starts on January 3 in Cape Town. 
&nbsp;

India skipper Rohit Sharma has defended the bowlers after the humiliating defeat in the Boxing Day Test against South Africa in Centurion. The game lasted just three days, with India losing by an innings and 32 runs.

India skipper Rohit Sharma has defended the bowlers after the humiliating defeat in the Boxing Day Test against South Africa in Centurion. The game lasted just three days, with India losing by an innings and 32 runs. Sharma, speaking at the post-match presentation, said that the bowlers did try their best but it just didn't work. "Bumrah bowled well," Rohit said. "We all know his quality. All he wanted was a bit of support from the other side, which he didn't get. To be honest, that happens (once in a while). "All the other three bowlers, they were trying really hard, bending their back, but it just didn't work out. Didn't happen the way we would have wanted to. But again, games like this teach you a lot of things, what you need to do as a group, as a bowling group. Hopefully, they can understand what went wrong, and then try and come back a little stronger from this game," he added. Also Read: 'Haris Rauf should have played Tests vs Australia instead of BBL,' says former Pak skipper Shahid Afridi India batted decently in the first innings, scoring 245 runs in tricky conditions, thanks largely to KL Rahul's eighth Test century. The bowlers, however, couldn't capitalise despite the conditions being friendly. While Bumrah and Siraj largely looked unplayable, they couldn't draw many edges and the pressure couldn't be built from the other side - especially by Prasidh Krishna. Rohit, nonetheless, defended Krishna who made his debut for India in the whites but agreed that the inexperience was there. "Look, a little bit inexperience, of course, but he has got the tools to come out here and play the game," the skipper said. "Prasidh has been with the Indian team. Not around the Test team, but he has played a lot of white-ball cricket for us in the last two or three years, and he has shown that he has got a lot of potential. Obviously, it didn't work out well for him playing his first game, but we all were nervous when we played our first game," he added. The second and final Test between South Africa and India starts on January 3 in Cape Town.

'Bumrah needed support but didn't get it,' says India skipper Rohit Sharma after loss in first Test vs SA

India skipper Rohit Sharma has taken the blame for the embarrassing defeat against South Africa in the first Test match after they lost by an innings and 32 runs. India were bowled out for 131 in their second innings and lost the contest on Day 3 as their wait for a series win on the Proteas soil continues. Dean Elgar was the star of the match with his 185-run knock, while Kagiso Rabada scalped seven wickets, including a five-for in the first innings. The win now sees South Africa lead the two-match series 1-0, making it impossible for India to win the series.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
A complete performance from the fast bowlers helps the hosts go 1-0 up in the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAvIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAvIND</a> Test series 🎉<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTC25?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTC25</a> 📝: <a href="https://t.co/Rma4l5S0RO">https://t.co/Rma4l5S0RO</a> <a href="https://t.co/BggeNhDkSp">pic.twitter.com/BggeNhDkSp</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1740388641912828037?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2>Rohit takes blame for defeat</h2>

“We were not good enough to win. Having been put into bat, KL batted well to get us that score but then we didn't exploit the conditions with the ball and then again didn't show up today with the bat. If we have to win Test matches, we have to come together collectively and we didn't do that. Guys have come here before, we know what to expect and everyone has their own plan. Our batters were challenged and we didn't adapt well. This is a boundary scoring ground, we saw them score many but we need to understand the opposition and their strengths as well,” Rohit said in the post-match.

The loss also had heavy ramifications on the World Test Championship (WTC) standings as India slipped to fifth spot while South Africa are top with a win in their first match of the cycle.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aus-v-pak-play-delayed-after-third-umpire-got-stuck-in-lift-at-mcg-during-boxing-day-test-674226">AUS v PAK: Play delayed after third umpire gets stuck in lift at MCG during Boxing Day Test</a>

<h2>India face embarrassing defeat</h2>

After securing a 163-run lead in their first innings, India were called into bat on Day 3 of the Centurion Test needing a good start. However, those plans were dented as the visitors lost the wickets of Rohit Sharma (0) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (5) early. This was Rohit’s fifth Test duck as he suffers from a poor run of form. Rohit was soon joined by Yashasvi Jaiswal (5) as India’s poor Test return continued. The visitors were 13/2 before Shubman Gill (26) and Virat Kohli (76) tried to stitch a partnership.

Later, Gill and Shreyas Iyer were scalped by Marco Jansen as India were 72/4 with KL Rahul and Kohli batting. With wickets falling at regular intervals, Kohli changed gears and tried to get his hundred however his wicket in the 35th over brought curtains to the innings as India lost by an innings and 32 runs. Apart from Virat, only Gill got into double figures for India as they now switch attention to the second Test in Cape Town.

India skipper Rohit Sharma has taken the blame for the embarrassing defeat against South Africa in the first Test match after they lost by an innings and 32 runs.

India skipper Rohit Sharma has taken the blame for the embarrassing defeat against South Africa in the first Test match after they lost by an innings and 32 runs. India were bowled out for 131 in their second innings and lost the contest on Day 3 as their wait for a series win on the Proteas soil continues. Dean Elgar was the star of the match with his 185-run knock, while Kagiso Rabada scalped seven wickets, including a five-for in the first innings. The win now sees South Africa lead the two-match series 1-0, making it impossible for India to win the series. A complete performance from the fast bowlers helps the hosts go 1-0 up in the #SAvIND Test series 🎉#WTC25 📝: https://t.co/Rma4l5S0RO pic.twitter.com/BggeNhDkSp — ICC (@ICC) December 28, 2023 × Rohit takes blame for defeat “We were not good enough to win. Having been put into bat, KL batted well to get us that score but then we didn't exploit the conditions with the ball and then again didn't show up today with the bat. If we have to win Test matches, we have to come together collectively and we didn't do that. Guys have come here before, we know what to expect and everyone has their own plan. Our batters were challenged and we didn't adapt well. This is a boundary scoring ground, we saw them score many but we need to understand the opposition and their strengths as well,” Rohit said in the post-match. The loss also had heavy ramifications on the World Test Championship (WTC) standings as India slipped to fifth spot while South Africa are top with a win in their first match of the cycle. ALSO READ | AUS v PAK: Play delayed after third umpire gets stuck in lift at MCG during Boxing Day Test India face embarrassing defeat After securing a 163-run lead in their first innings, India were called into bat on Day 3 of the Centurion Test needing a good start. However, those plans were dented as the visitors lost the wickets of Rohit Sharma (0) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (5) early. This was Rohit’s fifth Test duck as he suffers from a poor run of form. Rohit was soon joined by Yashasvi Jaiswal (5) as India’s poor Test return continued. The visitors were 13/2 before Shubman Gill (26) and Virat Kohli (76) tried to stitch a partnership. Later, Gill and Shreyas Iyer were scalped by Marco Jansen as India were 72/4 with KL Rahul and Kohli batting. With wickets falling at regular intervals, Kohli changed gears and tried to get his hundred however his wicket in the 35th over brought curtains to the innings as India lost by an innings and 32 runs. Apart from Virat, only Gill got into double figures for India as they now switch attention to the second Test in Cape Town.

SA vs IND 1st Test: Rohit Sharma takes blame for defeat in Centurion, says ‘we were not good enough to win’

Rohit Sharma’s poor Post-World Cup form has continued after the Indian skipper was dismissed for a duck in the second innings on Day 3 of the Centurion Test match. After conceding a 163-run lead, India needed a good start in their second innings but Kagiso Rabada had the 35-year-old’s number which saw India make another poor start as the match slips away from the visitor’s hand. India will need to bring their best out in the second innings after South Africa ended their first innings at 408, getting a 163-run lead in the process.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
Rohit Sharma dismissed for a duck Rabada nuked him again 😭<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvsSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvsSA</a> || <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SAvsIND?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SAvsIND</a> 
 
<a href="https://t.co/eK7stVrpFZ">https://t.co/eK7stVrpFZ</a>
— Rishi (@EpicVirat) <a href="https://twitter.com/EpicVirat/status/1740347564904607839?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2>Rabada gets Rohit’s number</h2>

On the fifth ball of the third over in the Indian innings, Rohit was clean bowled by Rabada as he jolted the innings. Rohit was unable to judge the flight of the delivery and ended up getting stumps castled which resulted in India being 5/1. This is Rohit’s fifth Test duck as he suffers from a poor run of form. Rohit was soon joined by Yashasvi Jaiswal (5) as India’s poor form continued. The visitors were 13/2 before Shubman Gill (26) and Virat Kohli tried to stitch a partnership.

Later, Gill and Shreyas Iyer were scalped by Marco Jansen as India were 72/4 with KL Rahul and Virat Kohli batting.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/aus-v-pak-play-delayed-after-third-umpire-got-stuck-in-lift-at-mcg-during-boxing-day-test-674226">AUS v PAK: Play delayed after third umpire gets stuck in lift at MCG during Boxing Day Test</a>

<h2>Elgar departs with standing ovation</h2>

Earlier, Dean Elgar, having scored a hundred on Wednesday continued with his impressive run before he was dismissed for 185. Post his knock, Elgar departed with a heroes salute&nbsp;as the crowd gave him a standing ovation despite missing out on the double hundred. The left-hand batter before the start of the series had announced his retirement from international duty after the conclusion of the second Test in Cape Town.

In the first session, on the fifth ball of the 95th over Elgar was scalped by Shardul Thakur which brought his resolute innings to an end. The Proteas opener helped his side to reach 400 in their first and&nbsp;establish an&nbsp;iron grip on the contest. Elgar’s innings consisted of 28 fours and was scored at a strike rate of 65. His partnership with Marco Jansen was the highlight reel that helped the hosts take a vital lead in the first innings.

South Africa were bowled out for 408 with Temba Bavuma retired hurt while Jansen scored an unbeaten 84 with the bat.

Rohit Sharma’s poor Post-World Cup form has continued after the Indian skipper was dismissed for a duck in the second innings on Day 3 of the Centurion Test match.

Rohit Sharma’s poor Post-World Cup form has continued after the Indian skipper was dismissed for a duck in the second innings on Day 3 of the Centurion Test match. After conceding a 163-run lead, India needed a good start in their second innings but Kagiso Rabada had the 35-year-old’s number which saw India make another poor start as the match slips away from the visitor’s hand. India will need to bring their best out in the second innings after South Africa ended their first innings at 408, getting a 163-run lead in the process. Rohit Sharma dismissed for a duck Rabada nuked him again 😭#INDvsSA || #SAvsIND https://t.co/eK7stVrpFZ — Rishi (@EpicVirat) December 28, 2023 × Rabada gets Rohit’s number On the fifth ball of the third over in the Indian innings, Rohit was clean bowled by Rabada as he jolted the innings. Rohit was unable to judge the flight of the delivery and ended up getting stumps castled which resulted in India being 5/1. This is Rohit’s fifth Test duck as he suffers from a poor run of form. Rohit was soon joined by Yashasvi Jaiswal (5) as India’s poor form continued. The visitors were 13/2 before Shubman Gill (26) and Virat Kohli tried to stitch a partnership. Later, Gill and Shreyas Iyer were scalped by Marco Jansen as India were 72/4 with KL Rahul and Virat Kohli batting. ALSO READ | AUS v PAK: Play delayed after third umpire gets stuck in lift at MCG during Boxing Day Test Elgar departs with standing ovation Earlier, Dean Elgar, having scored a hundred on Wednesday continued with his impressive run before he was dismissed for 185. Post his knock, Elgar departed with a heroes salute as the crowd gave him a standing ovation despite missing out on the double hundred. The left-hand batter before the start of the series had announced his retirement from international duty after the conclusion of the second Test in Cape Town. In the first session, on the fifth ball of the 95th over Elgar was scalped by Shardul Thakur which brought his resolute innings to an end. The Proteas opener helped his side to reach 400 in their first and establish an iron grip on the contest. Elgar’s innings consisted of 28 fours and was scored at a strike rate of 65. His partnership with Marco Jansen was the highlight reel that helped the hosts take a vital lead in the first innings. South Africa were bowled out for 408 with Temba Bavuma retired hurt while Jansen scored an unbeaten 84 with the bat.

WATCH: Kagiso Rabada gets Rohit Sharma's number as Indian skipper departs for duck against South Africa

India captain and batting great Rohit Sharma admits that South Africa, of all touring countries, is the hardest place for the batters. Ahead of the Boxing Day Test at the SuperSport Park in Centurion, Rohit talked in detail about how crucial it is for India to win a series in the Rainbow Nation, given their position in world cricket, and what it could do to boost the nation’s morale following the World Cup final loss.

"It's a very important two Test matches in terms of where we stand as a team," Rohit Sharma told media ahead of the Boxing Day Test.&nbsp;

"To look back, we have never won a series here as well, that's a big opportunity in itself. We have come pretty close the last two times we toured here, and we come to this place with a lot of confidence trying to achieve what no one has ever achieved in this part of the world,” Rohit added.

Sharma has been part of the Test setup that found tremendous success in Australia and England in the past 5-7 years. Speaking on how fast bowling changed India’s dynamics as a touring team, Rohit admitted that their best pacer in Tests and perhaps on current form, Mohammed Shami’s absence will be felt.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohit-admits-it-took-time-to-come-out-of-world-cup-final-loss-drops-hints-on-playing-2024-t20-wc-673455">Rohit admits it took time to come out of World Cup final loss, drops hints on playing 2024 T20 WC</a>

"Our seamers have earned respect in how they have performed in overseas conditions," Rohit said.&nbsp;

"In the last 5-7 years in fact, we did very well in Australia and England, even in South Africa, we have come close. We won in Centurion and came pretty close in Jo’burg and Cape Town, and the seamers have pulled their weight.

"Shami will be a big miss. His experience and what he has done over the years will be a big miss. Someone will take his place, and it won't be an easy role, but we have a lot of confidence in the guys who might take his place,” the India captain noted.

<h2>Rohit aware of Proteas challenge</h2>

India might have found success in white-ball cricket in this part of the world lately, but the win column in Tests still reads empty. For India to alter that, they will need their batters to weather the South African pace-attack storm and stand tall.

On the batting conditions in South Africa, Rohit said, "As a batter it's always a challenge to come and perform in South Africa, which is probably the hardest place to play for batsmen.&nbsp;

"I look forward to that challenge. Unfortunately I couldn't be here last time, but I'm looking forward to doing what is required from my side as a batter and see where it takes us."

"At some point, you have to start your career playing in these kind of conditions, so speaking to the people who have not been here before, they're excited and looking forward to the challenge,” he concluded.&nbsp;

India captain and batting great Rohit Sharma admits that South Africa, of all touring countries, is the hardest place for the batters. Ahead of the Boxing Day Test at the SuperSport Park in Centurion, Rohit talked in detail about how crucial it is for India to win a series in the Rainbow Nation, given their position in world cricket, and what it could do to boost the nation’s morale following the World Cup final loss.

India captain and batting great Rohit Sharma admits that South Africa, of all touring countries, is the hardest place for the batters. Ahead of the Boxing Day Test at the SuperSport Park in Centurion, Rohit talked in detail about how crucial it is for India to win a series in the Rainbow Nation, given their position in world cricket, and what it could do to boost the nation’s morale following the World Cup final loss. "It's a very important two Test matches in terms of where we stand as a team," Rohit Sharma told media ahead of the Boxing Day Test. "To look back, we have never won a series here as well, that's a big opportunity in itself. We have come pretty close the last two times we toured here, and we come to this place with a lot of confidence trying to achieve what no one has ever achieved in this part of the world,” Rohit added. Sharma has been part of the Test setup that found tremendous success in Australia and England in the past 5-7 years. Speaking on how fast bowling changed India’s dynamics as a touring team, Rohit admitted that their best pacer in Tests and perhaps on current form, Mohammed Shami’s absence will be felt. ALSO READ: Rohit admits it took time to come out of World Cup final loss, drops hints on playing 2024 T20 WC "Our seamers have earned respect in how they have performed in overseas conditions," Rohit said. "In the last 5-7 years in fact, we did very well in Australia and England, even in South Africa, we have come close. We won in Centurion and came pretty close in Jo’burg and Cape Town, and the seamers have pulled their weight. "Shami will be a big miss. His experience and what he has done over the years will be a big miss. Someone will take his place, and it won't be an easy role, but we have a lot of confidence in the guys who might take his place,” the India captain noted. Rohit aware of Proteas challenge India might have found success in white-ball cricket in this part of the world lately, but the win column in Tests still reads empty. For India to alter that, they will need their batters to weather the South African pace-attack storm and stand tall. On the batting conditions in South Africa, Rohit said, "As a batter it's always a challenge to come and perform in South Africa, which is probably the hardest place to play for batsmen. "I look forward to that challenge. Unfortunately I couldn't be here last time, but I'm looking forward to doing what is required from my side as a batter and see where it takes us." "At some point, you have to start your career playing in these kind of conditions, so speaking to the people who have not been here before, they're excited and looking forward to the challenge,” he concluded.

Boxing Day Test: South Africa is hardest place to play for batters, admits India captain Rohit

rohit-sharma

Rohit Sharma, News on Rohit Sharma, stories on Rohit Sharma, articles on Rohit Sharma, Rohit Sharma stories at Wion, Rohit Sharma news, Rohit Sharma latest news

rohit sharma