‘It’s a matter of great happiness that we have won for the first time in Cape Town’: KL Rahul’s reaction after winning the 2nd Test
India quickly leveled the two-match series on Thursday as they defeated South Africa by seven wickets in the second and final Test in Cape Town. India pulled out a stunning comeback following their defeat in the first Test match in Centurion. Fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah was instrumental in this effort, finishing with impressive figures of 6/61 to hold South Africa to 176 after the hosts were astonishingly knocked for just 55 in the opening innings. In the second session, the target of 79 was easily reached, thanks to the combined efforts of captain Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer, who finished undefeated on 17 and 4, respectively. Significantly, this Test surpassed the record set in 1932 between Australia and South Africa at the MCG to become the shortest ever in terms of overs bowled.
KL Rahul, the wicketkeeper-batter for India, talked extensively about the Test and mentioned that the players were surprised to a part of such Test.
“Obviously, it’s a matter of great happiness that we have won for the first time in Cape Town. This is my third series and every time we come here, we were always in the game, but we ended up losing the Test match when we didn’t bat well in a session. So really happy that we could get this win and very special. In terms of emotions, honestly, no one can understand. It seems like the toss happened just now and the match was over,” said Rahul.
India’s lack of preparation for the two-Test series against South Africa was a common accusation, following India’s innings loss in Centurion, there was a lot of criticism directed at the Rohit Sharma-led team, with claims that the side was not benefiting from the intra-squad matches. Rahul denied such allegations in spite of the criticism, saying that the squad was ready for the Centurion Test.
“A little planning and a little change in the attitude. We can’t say we weren’t ready in the last Test match. We were ready but it happens at times in Test matches, that the opposition really blasts you out of the Test match. We are not used to it. In the last four to five years, we have been a team that’s really competed. We won series outside of India. So weren’t ready for that. It was a huge hit for us. It speaks volumes of how much we enjoy playing Test cricket, how much we value playing for our country, and how much Test victories outside of India mean to us,” Rahul added.
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