Need to find a way to counter Pandya: Kagiso Rabada

It was an action-filled Day 2 at the Newlands Stadium, in Cape Town. After picking all the ten Protea wickets on the first day, the Virat Kohli led team was adamant to take on the challenge and establish their dominion. However, the hosts, privy to the South African conditions had the exact ammunition to dishearten India. A lethal pace attack including the likes of Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada, and Morne Morkel proved too strong for the Indian batsmen.

After losing three early wickets on Day 1, the Indian batsmen needed to be more cautious in their reply to South Africa’s 286. Although an achievable score, the Men in Blue failed to establish their foothold and was soon reduced to 57 for 4, enter Hardik Pandya.

The lanky all-rounder shouldered the responsibility as he took on the charge single-handedly. While his partners on the other end kept changing, the 24-year-old cruised control only to be dismissed short of what looked like a certain century on 94. His contribution changed the dynamic of the game as it brought India back to the fold with a total score of 209.

Pandya delivers with the ball as well

Pandya’s innings did not fail to impress the spectators and players alike as Protea speedster Kasigo Rabada heaped praises on the Indian. Speaking after the day’s play, Rabada said, “Looking at a player like him, he likes to play his natural game by playing shots. Sometimes that can put you on the backfoot or sometimes that can pay off for the bowling side. So it’s a bit of a gamble, but if he chooses to play that way and it works for him then great. We need to find a way to counter him.”

India finally culminated the day on a positive note after sending both the Protea openers back to the hut. The feat was achieved by none other than India’s star player on Day 2, Hardik. He took a double to send back Elgar and Markram to the pavilion as the Proteas continue their struggle with the willow.