South Africa vs India 2023-2024
WATCH: Virat Kohli smashes bowlers during net session ahead of second Test against South Africa
Virat Kohli was one of the two batters who showed fight with the bat during the first Test against South Africa.
Team India’s second Test match against South Africa, is set to start on January 3. Star Indian batsman Virat Kohli appeared to be in impeccable form during the nets practice in Cape Town.
A PTI journalist shared a video of Kohli taking deliveries from Mohammad Siraj, Ravichandran Ashwin, and a net bowler on X. With a well placed delivery towards mid-wicket from Siraj, Kohli utilised his feet to slam Ashwin for a big six.
The first Test at Centurion saw Virat Kohli score 76 runs off 82 balls. He demonstrated just how extraordinary his recent form has been. His one-man show, nevertheless, had little backing from the opposing side. This is because on Day 3 the visitors gave up, giving Proteas an easy victory by an innings as well as 32 runs.
Virat Kohli looked excellent for his 38 even during the first innings. But Kagiso Rabada’s brilliant bowling sent him back to the pavilion. Even though KL Rahul struck for a century in the opening session, India’s batsmen generally performed poorly. They were unable to stop a mostly untested South African pace unit.
Team India look set to tie the Test series against South Africa
There’s still enough for the visitors to gain in Cape Town, even though their hopes of winning the series have already been dashed. It’s still possible for them to tie the series and earn vital World Test Championship (WTC) points. But to do so, India would have to consider the team composition as well as make a few selections.
Naturally, Ravindra Jadeja might replace Ravichandran Ashwin immediately if he is healthy. At Centurion, Shardul Thakur and Prasidh Krishna both had a routine game, so it’s possible that one of them missed out. In Cape Town, the visitors can consider supporting Mukesh Kumar to be their third seamer, or they might focus on Avesh Khan, whose performance was a fantastic game for India A. Team India would love to end the tour on a high during this Test match.
