India vs South Africa 1st Test Day 1: Shardul Thakur's brave innings despite a swollen forehead and nasty blow to his hand

In the rain-interrupted first day of the opening Test against South Africa, Indian opener KL Rahul's innings of unbeaten 70 was highlight of Indian batting. Another highlight was the brave innings from Shardul Thakur who fought on despite blows to his head and hand. Rahul fought valiantly to steer India away from an early collapse. Despite the challenging conditions, Rahul remained unbeaten on 70 off 105 balls, providing much-needed stability to the Indian innings. The game started with a delayed toss due to wet patches on the field.

However, once play got underway, South African pacer Kagiso Rabada immediately made his presence felt with an impressive five-wicket haul (5/44). Rabada's fiery bowling rattled the Indian batting line-up, leaving them struggling at 208 for eight at the end of the day. Shardul Thakur who showcased his determination and resilience. Thakur's gritty knock of 24 off 33 balls, including three fours, proved crucial in adding 43 runs for the seventh wicket. Despite taking a few blows, Thakur's brave efforts were cut short when his drive off a length ball outside off-stump found its way into the hands of Dean Elgar, making Rabada's fifth victim of the day.

In the 44th over, Shardul attempted to hook a 142 kph ball from Coetzee. But he missed it and the ball hit him into the side of his helmet. Shardul, it seemed, pointed to some pain and it appeared that there was some swelling on his forward. He continued batting with a new helmet.


In the 46th over, another ball from Rabada hit him on the right forearm.

Meanwhile, further participation of South African skipper Temba Bavuma in the match is in doubt: The scans have revealed a left hamstring strain and he will undergo daily medical evaluations to determine his participation in the match, South African team said.