Picture Credit: Twitter
The second day of the second Test between India and South Africa was an eventful day. South Africa took a 27-run lead in their first innings while India took ten wickets and ended the day 58 runs ahead. Shardul Thakur stole the limelight with a 7-wicket haul while Keegan Petersen and Temba Bavuma scored crucial half-centuries for their team. Overall, it was an even-steven day of Test cricket where batters fought hard to score runs while bowlers kept coming at them.
However, India certainly missed the aggression of India's regular skipper Virat Kohli who missed the second Test with an upper back spasm, It was not that KL Rahul was not up to the mark but the energy Kohli brings to the fore was missing. His movements around the pitch and continuous chirping might not be seen on the field but the Indian captain was available for his bowlers even from outside.
In a video circulating on social media, Kohli can be seen talking to Mohammed Shami on the boundary ropes while the latter was fielding, It seemed like a serious discussion in the context of the game.
Watch the video here:
Virat Kohli guiding Shami from dugout ?
Can't keep him away from game ? #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/6HIGM19Pgx
— Subuhi S (@sportsgeek090) January 5, 2022
India lost both its openers before the end of Day 2's play. KL Rahul fell to a controversial decision while Mayank Agarwal perished to an error in judgment. India ended Day 2 on 85/2 with Pujara and Rahane at the crease. The two players have formed a 41-run stand with Pujara leading the charge. Both the players have not performed to the expectations of the team management and probably have the last chance before they are replaced. Pujara (33*) has shown some intent and has scored runs at a quick rate but the situation demands a big inning from one of these players.