Rohit Sharma is leading the Indian cavalry charge to conquer the final frontier in South Africa. But Rohit Sharma seems to have got his tactics wrong, feels Ravi Shastri. The former Director of the Indian team and Head coach was unhappy about India starting the post-lunch session with Shardul Thakur and Prasidh Krishna.
At 49/1 on the second day of the 1st Test match between India and South Africa at Centurion, the situation was even poised for both teams. Rohit Sharma should have started with his key bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, feels Ravi Shastri.
Elgar made a meal of the Indian bowlers, stroking boundaries at will. Dean Elgar is playing his last Test series, and the Indian bowlers made it special for him as he thrashed them to reach his century. He is not out at 140 and looks good for a double.
South African batters under no pressure
It all seemed very easy for the South African batters, scoring at will without any pressure. There was a 93-run partnership between Elgar and Tony Zorzi, who made 28 and a game-changing one between Elgar and David Bedingham for 131 runs, which tilted the game in favor of South Africa.
By the end of the day, South Africa had crossed the Indian total. They look set for a big lead that will put enormous pressure on the Indian batters to defend their wicket and score simultaneously if they are to give a decent total to support their bowlers in the fourth innings.
Momentum lost
Undoubtedly, India lost advantage of the situation and conditions at Centurion. The key to the result of this Test match will depend on the length of the innings played by Elgar today. India must dismiss him as early as possible.
On the other hand, Elgar will look to consolidate his innings and set up a lead of at least 150 runs to give South African bowlers a reasonable platform to put pressure on the Indian batters.
Day 3 is poised for an exciting phase in the Test match. Let’s wait and see what happens.