Dean Elgar’s best moment as captain came at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on Thursday. It was against the run of play, and in many ways, a surprise for India.
It was almost a given that India would wallop South Africa in this series considering their away record last year and the No.1 Test ranking. That the hosts’ fragile batting could muster 240 in the fourth innings against the famed Indian bowling proved to be an anti-climax.
Several questions will have to be sorted out once the visitors start training in Cape Town for the final Test, which begins on Tuesday. Head coach Rahul Dravid has already provided a peek into the discussions that could unfold in the coming days stressing on the need to build partnerships.
India have played five Tests at Newlands with South Africa winning on three occasions. The other two Tests have ended in a draw. On their last tour in 2018, India fell short of the 208-run target by 72 runs after the visitors folded up for 135 in their second innings.
Going into the final Test with the series tied 1-1, Virat Kohli’s return should provide a shot in the arm for Dravid’s men. However, it would mean that Hanuma Vihari, who showed grit and discipline in both innings at the Wanderers, would have to sit out.
More than Kohli’s batting, which hasn’t been inspiring for some time now, it was his captaincy and on-field presence that India missed dearly. The intent with which Kohli makes things happen was certainly absent in the closing stages. Instead it gave way to drooping shoulders as Elgar and Rassie van der Dussen’s grit snatched the game away from the Indians.
A total of 536 runs in 11 Tests at an average of 28.21 without a century last year hardly fits Kohli’s stature. But, as former captain and selection committee chairman Dilip Vengsarkar said, his mere presence can send a message across to the opposition.
“Let’s be clear, he’s the best batsman in the world. You will always miss him. After 10 years, this lean patch can happen. He’s getting the starts and he will be able to convert one into a big innings. His presence is always needed,” Vengsarkar told The Telegraph on Friday.
“But you can’t help when there’s an injury and have to make use of the ones who are available. Everyone will get an opportunity and Hanuma has made use of it. To be fair, all the batsmen looked good in the second innings. But someone has to take the responsibility and play a long innings. Both (Cheteshwar) Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane batted well.”
The talking point though remained Rishabh Pant’s manner of dismissal, edging Kagiso Rabada behind after charging out of his crease to the third ball. Dravid said the team management would speak to Pant over his shot selection.
“We know Rishabh plays positively and in a particular manner that has got him a little bit of success,” Dravid said at the post-match media conference. “But yeah, of course there are times when we’re going to have some level of conversation with him around, just a little bit of maybe just selection of the time to play that (shot).
“No one’s ever going to tell Rishabh not to be a positive player, not to be an aggressive player, but sometimes it’s just a question of picking and choosing the time to do that. I think when you just come in, maybe giving yourself a bit more time might be a little bit more advisable,” the head coach said.
Vengsarkar too didn’t wish to find fault with Pant. “Maybe it looked a bit irresponsible because of the timing of the execution but that is how he plays. This style has fetched success. The call has to be taken by the coach and selectors.”
Mohammed Siraj’s troubled hamstring could also decide the composition of the XI at Newlands. The fast bowler could bowl only 15.5 overs out of the 147.2 India sent down. Ishant Sharma or Umesh Yadav could get a look-in if he fails to recover in time.
