India displayed tremendous resolve as they batted on the Wanderers pitch that offered unpredictable bounce and movement off the surface from multiple cracks and indentations.
Excellent knocks from captain Virat Kohli (41), Ajinkya Rahane (48), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (33) and Murali Vijay (25) took India to 247 in the second innings of the third and final Test against South Africa in Johannesburg on Friday.
Even Mohammed Shami countered the surface with an enterprising 27-run cameo to ensure India could set a 241-run target and put the Test, and a 3-0 sweep, beyond South Africa’s reach.
Here’s how Twitter reacted on India’s 2nd innings:
Love the way Ajinkya Rahane Bats ….. Pure class …. #SAvIND
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) January 26, 2018
Brilliant innings from Ajinkya Rahane. India missed him in the first two tests. Now the more India get,the more difficult it is going to be for SA. #IPLAuction might also be a distraction chasing:)
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) January 26, 2018
Amazing skills from Ajinkya Rahane and Bhuvneshwar Kumar , truly Dabangg. The resolve and determination will make every cricket lover proud, even though SA have been sloppy
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) January 26, 2018
Highly impressed with the courage of the Indian batsmen,on a very difficult wicket.While Kohli has been sensational,Rahane in his comeback match showing his class and character,along with Bhuvi who impresses me every match he plays.
— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) January 26, 2018
Bhuvi setting up victory with ball and now bat. And Rahane, you beauty, I missed you #SAvIND
— Gaurav Kapur (@gauravkapur) January 26, 2018
Indian batsmen with two scores of 25+ in same Test in this series:
Virat Kohli (54 + 41)
Bhuvneshwar Kumar (30 + 33)
…..
Both at Jo'burg#SAvIND #INDvSA— Rajneesh Gupta (@rgcricket) January 26, 2018
Summary of last 2 tests.
2nd Test: India drop Rahane & Bhuvi.
3rd Test: South Africa drop Rahane & Bhuvi.— Ramesh Srivats (@rameshsrivats) January 26, 2018
After this series, anybody who calls @imVkohli a flat track bully has an enemy in me
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) January 26, 2018
That innings by Rahane is worth 80 on another day……
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 26, 2018
So while we are searching for a batting all-rounder, Bhuvneshwar is telling us that, maybe by another name, he can lay claim to that spot.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) January 26, 2018
https://twitter.com/Cric_Lama/status/956864798263660545
https://twitter.com/SampathStats/status/956879941345292288
Hardik Pandya + Use of brain while batting = Bhuvaneshwar Kumar
— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) January 26, 2018
https://twitter.com/HitmanCricket/status/956857754873880577