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Pujara and Rahane (Source: Twitter)
Team India faced a devastating loss against South Africa in the initial Test at SuperSport Park, Centurion, succumbing to defeat by a substantial margin of an innings and 32 runs. Rohit Sharma led Indian team found themselves outplayed in all three aspects, managing only scores of 245 and 131 in the two innings, respectively. On the bowling front, pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah lacked support as South Africa amassed a formidable total of 408 in the first innings, which was courtesy of a splendid century by Dean Elgar.
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After India's humiliating defeat, former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh raised questions about the team management's decision to exclude Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane from the Test squad. It's noteworthy that Pujara's last appearance for India was in the World Test Championship Final 2023. On the other hand, Rahane served as the vice-captain in the last Test series against West Indies in July.
“You didn't select Ajinkya Rahane and have left Cheteshwar Pujara out for no reason. These are the two players who have scored runs everywhere. If you look at the previous record Pujara has the same contribution as Kohli had. I am clueless as to why Pujara has been left out, we still don't have a better batter than Pujara in Test cricket. He plays slowly but he saves you, because of him India won Test in Australia and England,” said Harbhajan on his YouTube channel.
Avesh Khan replaces Mohammed Shami for the second Test
After the defeat, the Indian Cricket Board (ICB) announced the inclusion of pacer Avesh Khan in India's squad for the second Test, replacing the injured Mohammed Shami. Shami, initially selected for the South Africa tour, couldn't attain full fitness during the commencement of the series. The board had previously deferred Shami's participation in the first Test in Centurion, expecting his complete recovery. However, Shami is still unavailable for the second Test. This is when Avesh was chosen as his replacement.
India has suffered a significant loss to South Africa, succumbing by an innings and 32 runs. This defeat has extinguished the hopes of India overcoming its ultimate challenge. The most favourable outcome for the Indian team in this series is now a 1-1 draw.