India vs South Africa 1st Test: How Rabada outsmarted Virat Kolhi? A lesson for bowlers

Kagiso Rabada showcased his lethal prowess on the opening day of the first Test, decimating India's batting lineup with a fifer on a challenging track . Rabada's spell, characterized by extra and variable bounce, rattled India, leading to their struggle against the formidable South African bowler. Virat Kohli was one of his scalps. The seasoned fast bowler dismissed Virat Kohli with a brilliant delivery that deceived the Indian skipper. The ball, pitched on a fuller length, deviated late, taking the outside edge and finding the keeper's hands.

Rabada's strategic dismissal of Virat Kohli served as a valuable lesson for aspiring fast bowlers. Employing incoming deliveries, Rabada pinned Kohli on the backfoot before delivering a deceptive ball. Despite the nearly 31-over-old Kookaburra, Rabada maintained a fuller length. Kohli, anticipating an inside-line play, was astounded as the ball pitched and deviated late, leading to an outside edge caught by keeper Kyle Verreynne. Kohli had a stroke of luck earlier, surviving a dropped catch by Tony de Zorzi at square leg off debutant Nandre Burger (2/39). Despite this, Kohli recovered alongside Shreyas Iyer to repair the innings.

Rabada's incisive spells also claimed the wickets of Rohit Sharma, Shreyas Iyer, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Shardul Thakur. Iyer fell victim to a shooter, exposing his defense, while Thakur's gritty effort was curtailed by a bouncer, followed by a length delivery.


Despite Rabada's dominance, KL Rahul displayed excellent temperament, steering India to 208/8 in 59 overs before rain forced an early stumps call. Rahul, with a resilient unbeaten 70, tried to anchor the innings on a challenging pitch.

Rabada, who had taken a break from white-ball cricket, found his rhythm, delivering long spells with disconcerting bounce and late swing. The steep bounce on the track created problems for India's star-studded lineup, acclimatized to white-ball formats in recent months.

At the toss, South African skipper Temba Bavuma's decision to bowl first proved effective, as South African bowlers exploited the favorable conditions during the initial hour. Rohit Sharma, known for his compulsive pulling, fell into the trap set by Bavuma, with a well-placed long leg fielder.

KL Rahul (70 batting, 105 balls) continued his love affair with Supersport Park, displaying excellent temperament on a difficult pitch taking India to 208 for 8 in 59 overs when rain forced early stumps.