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India’s vice captain KL Rahul proved his mettle again and produced a splendid knock in testing conditions en route to his sixth overseas century as India made a perfect start to the Test series against Proteas in Centurion on Sunday.
Rahul (122 batting off 248), alongside opener partner Mayank Agarwal (60), set up a strong platform for India with a 117-run stand, enabling the visitors to reach 272 for three at the end of day’s play.
Skipper Virat Kohli, who scored 35 off 94 deliveries, fell cheaply to a loose shot after doing all the hard work while under-pressure Cheteshwar Pujara lasted only one ball as his form slump continues.
Rahul and Ajinkya Rahane (40 batting off 81), who like Pujara is fighting to save his place in the team, were in the middle at close of play.
Rahane looked in a good touch and will be aiming for big score on day two. Barring Lungi Ngidi, who took all the wickets to fall on the day, South Africa pacers were not probing enough in their line and lengths and offered too many loose balls.
The day belonged to Rahul, who showed remarkable resolve and application during his seventh Test hundred. He reached three-figure mark in England earlier this year and has also scored a hundred in every country he has played in.
Just like he had done it in England alongside Rohit Sharma, Rahul played with absolute clarity knowing which balls to leave and which ones to go for his shots. His friend and Karnataka teammate Agarwal also made it easier for Rahul early on by being the aggressor in the partnership.
The impressive 117-run partnership made Rahul and Agarwal only the third Indian opening pair to stitch a century stand in 21 games in South Africa.
In the end, Rahul ended up collecting 16 fours and a six. His innings had all his attractive range of strokes, including the cover drives and his punch shot off the back foot. He got to the 90s with a six off spinner Keshav Maharaj and stayed there for a while before reaching the milestone with a gentle steer off the left-arm bowler through point. He also shared a crucial 82 run stand with Kohli after Ngidi removed Agarwal and Pujara off successive deliveries.
The India skipper was the only wicket to fall in the evening session and that was rather a gift to the struggling South Africa. Kohli went for an expansive drive off a very wide ball, something he didn't need to with India in a commanding position.
Earlier, South Africa fought back with a couple of wickets in the afternoon session via Ngidi but India still controlled the proceedings by reaching 157 for two at tea.
India scored 74 runs in the second session while Ngidi removed Mayank and Pujara off successive balls to provide the hosts much needed breakthroughs.
Agarwal, who got to his half century after lunch, was dismissed against the run of play.
Captain Kohli made a brave call to bat first on a greenish surface which is expected to get quicker as the game progresses.
