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Being India's stand-in skipper for the second Test match against South Africa was not easy for KL Rahul as his side succumbed to a seven-wicket loss on Thursday (January 6).
Rahul expressed his disappointment after the rout and gave all the credit to Proteas' exceptional display in the second Test.
"Every Test match we play, we feel we should win and want to win. That's the kind of team we are, we compete really hard and we leave everything on the field. So yes a bit disappointing but credit to the way South Africa played," Rahul said.
South Africa skipper Dean Elgar led from the front with an unbeaten 96 off 188 balls to take his team home in 67.4 overs.
The other crucial contributions came from Aiden Markram (31), Rassie van der Dussen (40), Keegan Peterson (28) and Temba Bavuma (23 not out off 45).
Kagiso Rabada (3/77) breathed fire with his top notch bowling while and Lungi Ngidi (3/43), Marco Jansen (3/67) and Duanne Olivier (11-1-43-1) stood tall to wrap the Indian innings to 266 on Day 3.
Rahul credits Proteas for allround show
"They really batted well and bowled well. We all felt we could do something special, 122 wasn't going to be that easy to get. The pitch was up and down but like I said, the South African batsmen were really determined and got the job done," the stand-in skipper said.
Rahul who scored 50 off 133 in India's first innings also mentioned that they could have added more runs on the board.
"If I have to be really harsh, after winning the toss we could have put 60-70 runs more," he added.
KL all praise for Lord Shardul
Shardul Thakur bowled a magical spell of 7/61 in the first innings earned captain's respect as Rahul said that the pacer had a great Test match.
"Shardul's had a great Test match. In the few Test matches he's played he's really created that impact and won us games. The contribution he had with the bat was crucial as well," Rahul spoke higly of Shardul.
"Hopefully as a unit, a few more of us can put our hands up in the next Test and put up a performance that will get India a win. They've been great players for us, they've always done the job for the team over the years," he further added.
