India’s three-match Test series against South Africa is about to end now as the third and final game will be starting on Tuesday, 11th January. The series is currently tied 1-1 after the host defeated the Indian cricket team in their massive run chase in the second Test. It was a disappointing loss for the Indian team as they played so well in the first Test against South Africans. It’s anyone’s game now as the series is now leveled and the Cape Town Test will be the decider.
The Indian cricket team was playing without their captain Virat Kohli in the second Test which was been played at Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg because he had a back problem. Indian opening batsman KL Rahul was named captain for this game. In place of Virat, Hanuma Vihari was included in the team and the 28-year-old middle-order batsman really performed well in this match. Vihari’s 40 runs not-out innings proved to be crucial for India to get to the respective and a good total against South Africa. Even though South Africa won this match but there were some positives for India as Rahane and Pujara who were not in good touch lately scored half-centuries and Hanuma Vihari played maturely till in the end in the second innings.
Despite his good performance, it seems that Vihari will be dropped from the third Test as the captain Virat Kohli who was out in the second Test due to injury is now back fit. Former Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir also gave a statement a few days back that he doesn’t want to see Vihari out of the team for the Cape Town Test as he sees a lot of potential in the guy and feels that he should be given more chances. It also seems that Team India will include Ishant Sharma in place of pacer Mohammed Siraj as the experienced seamer was seen bowling in the nets and was also captured catching along with the captain (Virat Kohli).
