WATCH- Virat Kohli shows off Bhangra skills after India’s victory in Newlands Test
Rising from the ashes of defeat, India is set to have a historic comeback in Cape Town yesterday, with a stunning South Africa by 7 wickets at the iconic Newlands Stadium. After a heavy loss in Johannesburg, the Men in Blue roared back to life, levelling the series by 1-1 dramatically. This victory wasn’t just about redemption; it etched itself in the record as the shortest completed Test match in terms of balls bowled, making it a day etched in cricketing folklore.
Aiden Markram’s valiant century gave South Africa a fighting chance ahead of the 4th innings. Though 79 seemed achievable on paper, the unpredictable Cape Town pitch whispered possibilities for the Proteas. Undeterred, India faced the chase head-on, refusing to be bogged down. Positive shot selection and unwavering grit saw them conquer the target in a mere 12 overs, with Shreyas Iyer finding the winning boundary. It was a masterclass in proactive batting, silencing the doubts sown by the treacherous track and securing a resounding Indian victory.
Speaking to the official broadcaster post the game, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma expressed great delight with the team’s performance after what was a poor outing in Johannesburg. “It is a great feat. I am glad that we came back pretty well after the week that we had in Centurion. We applied ourselves well to get a very important lead,” he said.
Kohli is in an ecstatic mood
• Virat Kohli with a Bhangra step🕺
He is an absolute character!.. 🥰😚#Cricket #CricTracker #SAvIND #TestCricket #ViratKohli #CapeTown #RohitShetty #JaspritBumrah #PAKvsAUS @ABdeVilliers17 @imVkohli @ImRo45 @BCCI @ICC pic.twitter.com/X6tzIOaofE— Kesavan` (@Kohliivan_) January 4, 2024
Victory dances and heartfelt gestures painted the scene as India and South Africa posed for the trophy shot. Virat Kohli was never shy of a spotlight and brought a burst of Bhangra steps, his infectious grin mirrored by his teammates. The celebratory mood overflowed, erasing any lingering tension. Just before the impromptu jig, Kohli penned a personalized goodbye, gifting a signed jersey to the retiring Dean Elgar. “All the best for all that lies ahead,” he wished, a touch of respect amidst the rivalry.
At the end of the series, fans, pundits and players were all left disappointed as they would all have loved for a 3-match series. The series deserved it but it was simply not to be.
