Indian captain Rohit Sharma handed over a signed jersey to South African captain Dean Elgar after the end of the second Test in Cape Town. India won the Test match by seven wickets to level the Test series. This is the first time since 2010-11 that India has managed to level a Test series in South Africa.
India needed 79 runs to win in the second innings, which they chased in 12 overs losing three wickets. Yashasvi Jaiswal scored a quickfire 28 off 23 deliveries with six fours in the second innings, Rohit Sharma was unbeaten on 12 and Shreyas Iyer scored the winning runs and India needed just four. Virat Kohli (12) and Shubman Gill (10) were dismissed cheaply.
Early in the game, South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first in Cape Town. They were bowled out for 55, their lowest total against India on Day 1. India, in response, were bowled out for 153 on Day 1 as well. South Africa at the end of the first day were 62/3, as they fell 23 wickets on Day 1.
Jasprit Bumrah took six wickets in the second innings to bowl out the hosts for 176. Earlier, Mohammed Siraj took six wickets in the first innings for India. For South Africa, Kagiso Rabada, Nandre Burger and Lungi Ngidi took three each.
Watch: Rohit Sharma gifts signed jersey to Dean Elgar after Test retirement
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After the Test match during the post-match presentation ceremony, Rohit Sharma presented a Team India jersey to Dean Elgar and the Indian teammates wished Elgar on his Test retirement. The left-hander retired as one of his country’s best Test batsmen and among the format’s top scorers. The Cape Town event was the 86th of his career.
Rohit congratulated Elar on his illustrious Test career and had many good things to say about the South African skipper. Rohit described Egar as a brave and courageous batsman who is difficult to dismiss.
“South Africa is a great team, they always challenge us, they are a good team. We can feel very proud of this performance. (About Elgar) Such an important player for SA, very brave, we appreciate him. I would like to wish you the best. Brilliant career, best wishes for the future,” Rohit said at Elgar.
The South African skipper then recalled his Test career and spoke about the importance of his baggy green cap. He, along with Jasprit Bumrah, were named joint Man of the Series for their performances. Elgar spoke about his management with the Indian pacers.
“Some really tough batting conditions throughout. (The 3 test series) would have been fantastic. You want to challenge yourself, Bumrah is world class, he deserves this award. You want to try your hardest. I’m glad I don’t have to face these guys again. Good memories. We have come a long way. I’m very grateful to play against these guys. Lots of good memories, I received it (green cap) in 2012, I only missed one series. It has a special place. He only leaves for work reasons, that’s done and dusted,” Elgar added.
India is back as the number one team in the 2023-35 WTC cycle. The victory in Cape Town has taken them to first position in the points table with a PCT point of 54.16. South Africa follows closely in second place with 50.00 PCT points.
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