In a challenging start to the two-match Test series opener against South Africa, India’s captain, Rohit Sharma, faced a setback on the first day at SuperSport Park Stadium. Kagiso Rabada, often referred to as Rohit’s “biggest nemesis,” claimed his wicket, marking the 13th dismissal of the Indian skipper by the South African bowler in international cricket.
Rohit’s dismissal occurred as he played a pull shot to a shorter delivery from Rabada, a strategy that has proven effective against him. Former Indian cricketer, Sanjay Manjrekar, highlighted that while the pull shot is Rohit’s go-to weapon in white-ball cricket, it has become his nemesis in Test cricket over the last two years, resulting in seven dismissals.
This unfortunate event also made Rabada the most successful bowler against Rohit in international cricket, surpassing New Zealand’s Tim Southee with a total of 13 wickets. Six of these dismissals occurred in Test cricket, where Rabada stands second only to Australia’s Nathan Lyon.
Despite the early setbacks, Virat Kohli and Shreyas Iyer managed to rebuild India’s innings, forming an unbeaten 67-run partnership. The Indian batting duo capitalized on South Africa’s targeting of the middle and leg stump, steering the team to a more favorable position at Lunch.
As India strives for a historic Test series win in South Africa, Rohit Sharma’s early dismissal underscores the challenges the team faces against a potent South African bowling attack.
