Sachin Tendulkar names two India players who impressed him in IND's disappointing loss to SA

 In the first Test match between India and South Africa, held from December 26th to 28th, South Africa emerged victorious by an innings and 32 runs. Batting first, India scored 245 in their first innings with KL Rahul contributing 101. South Africa then posted a commanding total of 408 in their first innings, led by Dean Elgar's outstanding 185. In their second innings, India managed only 131, and South Africa's Nandre Burger and Marco Jansen starred with the ball. The Player of the Match was Dean Elgar for his exceptional batting performance. The match took place at the SuperSport Park Cricket Stadium.  

3 things you need to know 

• India lost to South Africa by an innings and 32 runs
• Dean Elgar was named Player of the Match in the first Test
• The Indian Cricket Team failed to perform at its best level

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Sachin Tendulkar on India’s loss to South Africa in the 1st Test

Defeated by a fast-paced game and taken aback by sudden bounces, an unfit India lost badly to a far superior South Africa in the first-ever Boxing Day Test in Centurion, which ended in just three days. The Indian batters showed promise in the first innings, scoring 245 runs, but they faltered in the second, scoring just 131 runs in 34.1 overs. South Africa, on the other hand, demonstrated their superiority by scoring an overwhelming 408 in their initial attempt. South Africa now leads the two-match series 1-0 with this convincing win, dashed India's chances of winning a Test series in the Rainbow Nation for the first time in thirty-one years.

Now, the only chance for redemption is a 1-1 tie, provided that India levels the series in the next New Year's Test in Cape Town. The Indian team's poor batting showing highlighted their seeming incompetence and bewilderment when faced with such a difficult task. The cricketing great and former batter for India, Sachin Tendulkar, voiced his displeasure with the team's performance, saying that there was "much to be desired," emphasising the shortcomings in their batting performance in particular. Sachin Tendulkar on X:

"Well played South Africa! While I initially felt the South African team would’ve been unhappy after the 1st innings, their pace attack surpassed expectations and showcased remarkable skill in the 2nd innings, in spite of the pitch becoming more favourable for batting as the match progressed.

“From whatever I watched, India's shot selection left much to be desired. Throughout the Test, only a few batters, namely Elgar, Jansen, Bedingham, @imVkohli and @klrahul truly seemed at ease with the bat, navigating the conditions with technique and poise,”

Also Read: SA beat India by an innings & 32 runs in 1st Test

The Indian Cricket Team will look to bounce back on January 3, 2023.