SA vs IND: Rohit Sharma fails in his first outing after World Cup final, falls to Rabada for record 13th time

Rohit Sharma failed with the bat in his first international outing after the World Cup 2023 final as South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada dismissed the India captain for 5 in the first innings of the Boxing Day Test in Centurion. Rohit departed in the fifth over, succumbing to a short ball that he pulled towards the deep fine leg where only two fielders were stationed.

SA vs IND, Boxing Day Test: Day 1 Live

The Indian captain’s strength became his downfall as he failed to place it away due to Rabada’s slight cramping of his space, limiting the power behind the shot. Until then, South Africa seemed to squander the new ball by bowling slightly short, but this crucial dismissal transformed their approach, removing one of India’s key batting threats. Test cricket, as ever, proves its unpredictability, keeping everyone on their toes.

Both Rabada and Marco Jansen got commendable seam movement throughout as an lbw appeal against Rohit Sharma in the third over was turned down by the umpire. The fielding setup was aggressive, boasting three slips, a gully, and a short leg, creating pressure on the batter. Despite this, India exhibited astute decision-making. Rohit showed disdain for deliveries outside his off stump, before getting dismissed.

Earlier, South Africa captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and asked India to bat first in the Boxing Day Test on Tuesday after a delay of 30 minutes because of a wet outfield at Centurion near Pretoria. “There is a bit of moisture in and around the wicket and we’d like to make good use of it,” South Africa captain Temba Bavuma said at the toss. India skipper Rohit Sharma said he was not sure whether he would have batted or bowled if he had won the toss. “At times like this, it is better to lose the toss,” he quipped.