KL Rahul smashed 123 against South Africa on the first day in Centurion and his knock helped India register a big 113-run win against the Proteas in their fortress of Centurion.
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KL Rahul has played a major role in two of India’s greatest triumphs in the year 2021. In Lord’s, it was his century that gave India the platform to win only for the third time at the home of cricket. During the Test in Centurion, Rahul once again hit a century and shared a partnership of 117 with Mayank Agarwal for the opening wicket. Rahul’s century on day 1 was the best start for India in South Africa. They had the best batting conditions and they made full use of it. Despite the collapse, India had the bowlers to ensure that South Africa would never be in the game.
Rahul’s brilliance at the top, combined with the four-pronged bowling variety of India gave them a famous win. The 113-run win Centurion was the first time that an Asian nation had breached South Africa’s fortress. KL Rahul was named the Player of the Match and he credited one major factor in his overseas contributions in 2021.
“Don’t think I’ve made too many technical changes. It’s about my mindset, how calm and disciplined I am. It’s all coming nicely now. The discipline I’ve shown has been the biggest contribution for me in performing away from home. It’s something I’m proud of (his overseas hundreds),” Rahul stated.
Mohammed Shami had a memorable match in Centurion. He not only picked up his sixth five-wicket haul but also registered 200 wickets. Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj all chipped in at vital times. Bumrah, on days 4 and 5, blew the game wide open. On day 4, he picked up Rassie van der Dussen and Keshav Maharaj in the final over. The final day saw Bumrah seal the match when he trapped Dean Elgar in front for 77.
Read | Mohammed Shami in elite company after taking 200 Test wickets
Rahul hailed the contribution of the fast bowlers, calling their contributions special. “Shami kept us on the park a little lesser. The fast bowling unit has shown a lot of heart, not just today but the last few years. Happy with the way Shami bowled and the way other guys chipped in as well. Shami gets the ball to do a little bit extra as Virat said. Very very special coming to SA. This win gives us a lot of confidence. Want to keep getting better as individuals and try to win another Test in a few days’ time,” Rahul said.
India will be aiming to win the series in Johannesburg, a venue where they have never lost. If Virat Kohli’s team wins in Johannesburg, then India would join Australia and England as the only nations to win the series against every Test-playing nation on the planet.
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