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India vs South Africa 2nd Test: Match Preview, Pitch Report, Weather Report, Predicted XIs

Rohit Sharma, the leader, will need to channelise the champion tactician that resides in him as India look to restore parity against South Africa and remain consequential in the World Championship points table when the second Test starts here on Wednesday. India are sixth in the nine-team table with 14 points (38.89 PCT) and a defeat will dent their standing further. Ravindra Jadeja, India's "Most Valuable Player" across formats, will come back to add the requisite middle-order batting balance and steady overs with the old Kookaburra but it will be the skipper's choice of third and fourth speed merchants that will define the embattled team's response.

Watch: Unseen Video Of Dejected Virat Kohli After Cricket World Cup 2023 Final Loss Goes Viral

It was a massive heartbreak for the Indian cricket team as the Rohit Sharma-led side fell agonisingly close to lifting the Cricket World Cup 2023 trophy after losing to Australia in the final. Playing the tournament at home, India looked unstoppable as they won 10 matches on the trot. The unbeaten run included a win over every other competing side in the tournament and ahead of the summit clash, India were considered to be favourites. During the campaign, star batter Virat Kohli played a massive role with 765 runs as he emerged as the top batter in the competition. As a result, the disappointment was quite clear on his face as India were outplayed by Australia thanks to Travis Head and Pat Cummins.

Elgar looking to bow out on top

CAPE TOWN : Dean Elgar will looking to conclude his international career on another high as he unexpectedly captains South Africa in the second and last test against India, which starts at Newlands on Wednesday.

Sunil Gavaskar Rues "One Bad Day" That Hit Team India Hard In 2023

While the Indian men's and women's cricket teams might have lost their last matches of 2023, it is fair to say that the Rohit Sharma-led side and the Harmanpreet Kaur-led sides have had some memorable results in the past 12 months. As we said goodbye to 2023 on Monday, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar analysed the performances of both, the men's and women's team. The batting great hailed the women's team for their historic wins over England and Australia earlier. Under the leadership of Harmanpreet, the women's team defeated England and Australia in one-off Tests, also outplaying the two best teams in the world.

Irfan Pathan Suggests Changes For 2nd Test vs South Africa, Says This Player "Should Come Back In The Team"

South Africa spoiled India's dream of winning a Test series in the Rainbow Nation for the first time by handing an innings and 32-run defeat to the guests at SuperSport Park in Centurion. With the series consisting of only two matches India can at best earn a share of the honours if they win the second Test starting in Cape Town on Wednesday. Ahead of the final game, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has suggested some changes in the team. He wants India to replace Ravichandran Ashwin with Ravindra Jadeja in the playing XI.

"Something Not Right...": Venkatesh Prasad Responds To Fan's "Chokers" Query For Team India

Former India pacer Venkatesh Prasad recently summed up the Rohit Sharma-led side bitter-sweet 2023 in international cricket. Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Prasad pointed out how India dominated other team during the recently concluded World Cup on home soil, but fell on the final hurdle, losing the final to Australia. Prasad also rued India's defeat in the World Test Championship (WTC) final to the same opponents. It's been more than a decade since India last won an ICC trophy, and a fan asked Prasad whether the Indian team is the "new chokers of world cricket".

"No Sharpness In Bowling": Ex-India Star Blasts Pacers After Loss To South Africa In First Test

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has highlighted the lack of planning while bowling to the South African batters in the first Test in Centurion last week. The Proteas defeated India by an innings and 32 runs in the first Test at the SuperSport Park, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. Barring Jasprit Bumrah, who bagged four wickets in South Africa's first innings, the Indian pacers struggled against the Proteas, with Dean Elgar smashing 185.

Why Team India Doesn't Play First Class Practice Matches? Rohit Sharma's Honest Response

Was lack of practice matches the reason behind Team India's loss in the first Test against South Africa? India captain Rohit Sharma doesn't think playing First Class practice Tests would have given the team any benefit because of the 'contrasting difference' in the two situations. After India lost the opening Test to South Africa by an innings and 32 runs, Rohit was asked in the press conference about the team's decision to snub practice matches over intra-squad contests.

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Rohit Sharma Sport News

India vs South Africa 2nd Test: Match Preview, Pitch Report, Weather Report, Predicted XIs

Watch: Unseen Video Of Dejected Virat Kohli After Cricket World Cup 2023 Final Loss Goes Viral

Elgar looking to bow out on top

Sunil Gavaskar Rues "One Bad Day" That Hit Team India Hard In 2023

Irfan Pathan Suggests Changes For 2nd Test vs South Africa, Says This Player "Should Come Back In The Team"

"Something Not Right...": Venkatesh Prasad Responds To Fan's "Chokers" Query For Team India

"No Sharpness In Bowling": Ex-India Star Blasts Pacers After Loss To South Africa In First Test

Why Team India Doesn't Play First Class Practice Matches? Rohit Sharma's Honest Response