SA vs IND | Have backed Pujara & Rahane for what they have done in Test cricket, says Virat Kohli

India suffered a defeat against South Africa in the third Test and lost the series 1-2. The Indian captain, during the post-match conference admitted that the batting has become a concern.

“The batting has let us down in the last two games and there is no running away from that,” he said.

Indian batters Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane didn’t really impress much with the bat barring one or two occasions.

Kohli though said that the team management has backed the two players for what they have done in Test cricket but the future depends upon selectors’ decision.

“We have backed Pujara & Rahane for what they have done in Test cricket,” he said.

“What selectors have in mind, can’t comment on that,” he added.

Discover more

SA vs IND | 3rd Test: There were lapses of concentration from us in key moments, says Kohli

South Africa defeated India by 7 wickets in the final Test of the three-match series in Cape Town after chasing down a target of 212 runs in the second session of Day 4. The hosts had restricted India to 198 despite a century from Rishabh Pant in the second innings. The home side lost an early wicket in the form of Aiden Markram but Dean Elgar and Keegan Petersen came in for the rescue as the two compiled a partnership of 78 runs for the second wicket. Elgar was eventually undone on the final delivery of the third day by Jasprit Bumrah after he was caught behind by Pant for 30. Petersen was then joined by Rassie van der Dussen on the beginning of the fourth day. Both the batsmen negotiated the initial phase of the day in a brilliant manner and stitched a stand of 54 runs for the third wicket as Petersen was out for 82 by Shardul Thakur. The South African team didn’t lose any further wickets and Rassie van der Dussen and Temba Bavuma took the team home to help the side win the series 2-1. India skipper Virat Kohli later talked about the series and admitted that the lapse of concentration did cost them the match. “I think it's a great spectacle of Test cricket for all to see. We played well in the first game to win but South Africa bounced back well in the second and carried on the momentum in the third as well. There was some lapse of concentration from us as well in key moments. I thought South Africa performed better in those key moments and totally deserved the win,” he said during the pots-match presentation.

South Africa clinch 7-wicket win in deciding Test to seal series 2-1

South Africa clinched a 7-wicket win in the final Test against India in Cape Town. Chasing 212 in the second innings, the Proteas went over the line in the second session of the penultimate day of the encounter to seal the series 2-1. India had earlier won the first Test while the home side made a comeback in the second match to level the series. More to follow…

Super Smash 2021-22 | Match Review | Northern Knights ease past Stags to bag "Numero Uno" spot

With this win the Knights march on to the top of the table with 22 points from just 7 matches with five wins. Despite the loss, the Stags will be on the fourth spot with 12 points from nine played.

SA vs IND | 3rd Test | Day 4: South Africa in cruise control at the end of first session

South Africa were on a roll in the first session on Day 4 of the third Test against India in Cape Town after they added 70 runs at the cost of just one wicket in the overnight score. The home side was 171/3 when the Lunch was taken, needing 41 more to win. Beginning the proceedings at 101/2, Keegan Petersen and Rassie van der Dussen batting in a cautious manner to negotiate the first few hours of the day. Petersen was eventually undone by Shardul Thakur for 82. One of the highlights of this first session was the drop catch from CHeteshwar Pujara who failed to hold on to a sitter in the slips from Petersen earlier in the day. While the Proteas’ batsmen showed a lot of resistance, the Indian pacers too bowled in good areas and were pretty impressive with their line and length. The three-match series is presently levelled at 1-1.