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Keegan Petersen (Photo: Twitter)
Despite losing the first Test in Centurion, South Africa scripted a sensational comeback, as they went on to win the next two Tests. On the other hand, India missed a golden opportunity of winning their first series in the rainbow nation.
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It wouldn't be an overstatement to say that Keegan Petersen played a huge role in denying the Kohli-led side a win in the series decider. After scoring 72 in the first innings, he then scored a sensational 82 while chasing 212 to win the Test. Thus, due to his amazing performances, he went on to win the player of the match award, as well as the player of the series award.
It is to be noted that he scored the most number of runs in the series as well. Thus, the former head coach of India Ravi Shastri was mighty impressed with him. He took to Twitter to praise him. The former Mumbai cricketer even made a reference to his initials, i.e. KP.
A great world player in the making: Ravi Shastri
"Keegan Peterson (KP). Excellent initials (@KP24). A great world player in the making. My childhood hero Gundappa Vishwanath comes to mind #SAvIND," tweeted Ravi Shastri. The fact that the former Indian all-rounder compared the Proteas batter to legends like Pietersen and Vishwanath is in itself a compliment for Petersen.
While requiring 212 in the final innings to win the Test, the hosts chased the total rather comfortably. In the meanwhile, the 28-year-old was happy and emotional. He even described how challenging the conditions and bowlers were to counter.
"It hasn't sunk in yet. It's a mixed bag, to be honest. Happy, emotional. I was trying to be positive and then build on that. It's been difficult conditions all around and was just sticking to my guns. It's been a long journey, can't tell the whole story now, won't be over till tomorrow morning. It's been challenging surfaces, challenging bowling attacks," said Keegan Petersen in a post-match presentation.