“That Were Not Among Rohit Sharma’s Finest Days…”: Former Indian Star On His “Mistake” In Losing To South Africa

Rohit Sharma’s leadership in the first Test match between South Africa and India in Centurion did not sit well with former Indian cricket team hitter Sanjay Manjrekar. In less than three days, India collapsed to a crushing defeat against South Africa, ending all hope of winning a Test series there once again. Manjrekar called Day 3’s usage of Shardul Thakur and Prasidh Krishna immediately after lunch a “blunder” and said that it was not “one of Rohit’s best days.”

“After India scored 245 runs, I believe that there was some undervaluation of South Africa’s batting ability. It wasn’t, however, one of Rohit Sharma’s finest days or Test matches in his captaincy role. That was a mistake (beginning with Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakur after lunch). These are the opportunities for you to take advantage of. “It was a grave error,” Manjrekar said in his ESPNCricinfo commentary.

Manjrekar also spoke extensively on the poor bowling display by India in Centurion and the general lack of discipline that finally allowed South Africa to amass a huge total.

“Not only the bowling adjustments but also the bowling plans. What the Indian bowlers continued attempting for virtually the whole Test match really astounded me. In one of your instances, Marco Jansen managed to grab the outside edge, but the ball did not quite reach KL Rahul. Subsequently, a few deliveries occurred in that same area, followed by the bouncer, a full-length delivery, and something extending down the leg side. That caught us off guard, and that’s when the captain should step in and say, ‘Guys, time is running out. Let’s keep to discipline,'” Manjrekar said.

India lost a 163-run advantage in the first innings and were bowled out for 131 in the second, unable to counter South Africa’s speed attack.

A day when the game was equally balanced in the beginning became a rout for the visitors.

A narrow 11-run advantage for South Africa at the beginning of play was turned into a commanding position by Dean Elgar (185) and Marco Jansen (84 not out).

Despite Temba Bavuma’s injury, South Africa overcame an overnight 256 for five to 408 all out because to their combined 111-run sixth wicket stand.

Before becoming the last man out for India, Virat Kohli struck an aggressive 76, but on a field that was lively, the rest of the batting disintegrated against South Africa’s quick bowlers.

Only 34.1 overs were used in the second inning. In an innings of 82 balls, Kohli struck 12 fours and a six. No other batter scored more than six runs, but Shubman Gill scored 26.