Published 23:03 IST, December 28th 2023

'Not too many positives': Rohit Sharma reflects on India's humiliating loss against South Africa

Indian skipper Rohit Sharma explained the reason why their players failed to take up the South African challenge in the first Test.

Reported by: Anirban Sarkar
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Rohit Sharma in action | Image: AP
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South Africa inflicted a humiliating loss on India as they defeated Rohit Sharma's team by an inning and 32 runs. Dean Elgar's brilliant 14th Test century proved to be the difference between both sides as the Proetas took an unassailable 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series. India are yet to lodge a Test series victory on the South African soil.

3 things you need to know

  • India were handed a humiliating defeat by South Africa
  • The visitors lost the Test match by an inning and 32 runs
  • Dean Elgar scored his 14th century at Centurion

Also Read: 'India should have had a Plan B': Rohit Sharma's Test captaincy gets panned by Zaheer Khan

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Rohit Sharma explained the main reason behind India's dismal show

Apart from Virat Kohli, no other batsman manages to stand tall in front of the South African bowlers. The 35-year-old produced another stellar knock and registered his 30th Test half-century. Despite his attempt India could only manage a paltry 131 runs in the second innings handing South Africa their biggest win over India on their home soil. Rohit departed for a duck while the likes of Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill failed to live up to the expectations.

After the match, Rohit Sharma explained that they failed to adapt to the South African condition. “Guys have come here before; we know what to expect and everyone has their own plan. Our batters were challenged and we didn't adapt well. This is a boundary-scoring ground; we saw them score many but we need to understand the opposition and their strengths as well. We didn't bat well in both innings; that's why we stand here. Not too many positives to finish the game within 3 days, but KL showed what we need to do on this sort of pitch.”

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India will now take on the Proteas in the second Test at the Newlands Cricket Ground.

23:03 IST, December 28th 2023