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'Their Shot Selection...' - Tendulkar Unveils Core Reasons Behind India's Centurion Defeat

image-lqqs5z8sShreyas Iyer getting cleaned up (AP Photos)

India faced a comprehensive defeat at the hands of South Africa in the first Test of their ongoing tour, raising concerns and sparking intense scrutiny within the cricketing community. The legendary Sachin Tendulkar has offered his insights, shedding light on the factors contributing to India's setback at Centurion, where they succumbed to an innings and 32 runs defeat within three days.

Commending South Africa for their exceptional performance, The Great Sachin Tendulkar acknowledged the skills of their pace attack, which surpassed expectations in the second innings. Despite initial concerns after the first innings, South Africa showcased remarkable skill, especially considering the pitch became more favorable for batting as the match progressed.

"Well played South Africa! While I initially felt the South African team would’ve been unhappy after the 1st innings, their pace attack surpassed expectations and showcased remarkable skill in the 2nd innings, despite the pitch becoming more favorable for batting as the match progressed," stated Tendulkar.

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Tendulkar Scrutinises India's Shot Selection

Tendulkar also scrutinised India's shot selection, pointing out that only a handful of batters, including Dean Elgar, Marco Jansen, Aiden Markram, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul, demonstrated comfort and sound technique in navigating the challenging conditions. In the first innings, Rahul and Elgar scored 101 and 185 runs, respectively, making remarkable centuries.

"From whatever I watched, India’s shot selection left much to be desired. Throughout the Test, only a few batters, namely Dean Elgar, Marco Jansen, Bedingham, Virat Kohli, and KL Rahul truly seemed at ease with the bat, navigating the conditions with technique and poise," added Tendulkar.

Plagued by pace and unsettled by unexpected bounce, an ill-prepared India faced a heavy defeat, losing by an innings and 32 runs against a vastly superior South Africa in the opening Boxing Day Test in Centurion. South Africa posted a commanding 408 in their initial attempt, while India managed only 245 in the first innings and faltered in the second innings, posting a mere 131 runs in 34.1 overs.

With this defeat, South Africa secured an insurmountable 1-0 lead in the two-match series, dashing India's aspirations of winning a Test series in the Rainbow Nation for the first time in 31 years. The only chance for redemption now lies in a 1-1 draw, contingent on India leveling the series in the upcoming Test in Cape Town, scheduled for January 3, 2024.