SA vs IND 2018, 2nd Test: Twitter Reacts as Cheteshwar Pujara's Suicidal Run-Out Puts India in More Trouble

After starting day five on a precarious 35 for three in pursuit of 287, the last thing India would have wanted was a run-out. The world number one side, currently trailing the series 1-0, already had their back against the wall in Centurion after losing both of their openers and in-form skipper Virat Kohli cheaply in the chase and only a good start would by Cheteshwar Pujara and Parthiv Patel would have brought back India in the second Test.

However, the game drifted further apart from Kohli & Co. after the visitors were off to a disastrous start on the final day, as the ever-dependable Pujara was run-out very early. The duo could add only 14 runs to the overnight score before Pujara was caught short of his crease when he attempted a suicidal third run.

Parthiv had played a Vernon Philander delivery towards gully. Lungi Ngidi chased the ball and stopped it from crossing the boundary ropes, pulling it back before AB de Villiers, who was chasing it from backward point, made a brilliant throw toward the striker’s end.

Cheteshwar Pujara made a desperate dive, but the throw was so spot on that Quinton de Kock only needed it to guide it to the stumps to end the India batsman’s innings. The third umpire took his time but eventually gave his decision in the hosts’ favour. The latest run-out also made Pujara first Indian batsman to be out in this manner twice in a Test. He was out for a duck in the first innings.

The setback is another huge blow to India who is now firmly on the backfoot after losing one of their best batsmen. Meanwhile, Twitter was quick to react to the run-out and here are some interesting tweets:

Cheteshwar Pujara becomes the first Indian to be run out twice in a Test.

23rd player overall and first in over 17 years. Last was Stephen Fleming in Dec 2000. #SAvInd

— Bharath Seervi (@SeerviBharath) January 17, 2018

Chujara ???????

— Nishith (@Nicks103) January 17, 2018

This is plain disgusting. How can you get run out in both innings!! Key player twice. Come on! @cheteshwar1 this is poor judgment. #INDvSA

— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) January 17, 2018

Cheteshwar pujara tried to attempt suicide in both the innings……and guess what he succeeded both the times.??#runout
Poor choice of running between the wickets…#SAvIND

— Himanshu Bhagal ?? (@himanshu_bhagal) January 17, 2018

Cheteshwar Pujara run out twice in the game.

You cannot make this up.

— Nikhil ? (@CricCrazyNIKS) January 17, 2018

He was looking good @cheteshwar1 why would risk a run??? Bail coming out or not it was not needed. This is bloody frustrating. Gift to SAF.

— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) January 17, 2018

The day he had to stay glued to the wicket, Cheteshwar Pujara ran himself out by going for a needless run. Should be made to do 50 rounds of the ground! #IndvsSA

— Kunal Purandare (@kunaljp) January 17, 2018

This is so fucking Frustrating….When you are trying to save a Match the last thing you want is a Run out but we have gifted RSA a wicket & that too of our only hope who could save this Match for India – Why @cheteshwar1 ?? #RidiculousCricket #FreedomSeries #INDvSA #SAvIND

— Dharmil Sanghani (@sanghanidharmil) January 17, 2018

Cheteshwar Pujara becomes first Indian player to get run-out TWICE in a Test.
First such instance in Test cricket in 18 years.#SAvIND #INDvSA

— Rajneesh Gupta (@rgcricket) January 17, 2018

*Cheteshwar Pujara ideas*
If you run urself out, you need not worry abt any demons in the pitch!#SAvIND #INDVSA pic.twitter.com/pykL6KgmHZ

— The Lol Buddhu (@lolbuddhu) January 17, 2018

https://twitter.com/crickashish217/status/953541908772544512

https://twitter.com/KhamoshVIVEK/status/953546920873533440