SA vs IND 2018, 1st Test: Faf du Plessis Surprised Over Ajinkya Rahane's Omission

Ajinkya Rahane’s omission from the playing eleven for the just-concluded series-opener has surprised not only a lot of Indians but also South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis.

One of India’s best overseas performers in recent years, Rahane was the standout performer when India toured South Africa last year with his scores reading 47, 15, 51* and 96 in four innings. Moreover, his performance in overseas Tests had also been phenomenal. While he averages a modest 36.88 at home, it soars up to more than 53 when he plays outside India. Six of his nine Test centuries have come outside India.

However, the right-handed batsman was dropped to the bench for the first Test Test, much to the surprise of du Plessis.

“We were surprised yes. We didn’t think that Jasprit Bumrah and Rohit Sharma would have played. They have been in a bit of form one-day cricket wise, so they’re probably just running with that,” du Plessis said after his team’s 72-run win.

Rohit Sharma was preferred ahead of Rahane, as skipper Virat Kohli said the team did the selection on the basis of form instead of reputation. However, the bold decision backfired, as Rohit just like his other teammates failed to deliver and could score only 11 and 10 in two innings.

Meanwhile, du Plessis went on to admit choosing his team was a difficult choice as well.

“The decision of picking a team was definitely the hardest I have been involved in. There is so much value in both scenarios. Playing seven batsmen that offer a bit more seam is a very good call,” said du Plessis.

“But I just thought, if you have Steyn, Morkel, Philander, Rabada, that’s four bowlers you cannot look past. It’s a positive move. Yes, Dale hasn’t played a lot of cricket but the way he was bowling in the nets, and the way he bowled in the first innings, I think he was one of our best bowlers,” he added.

Well, South Africa’s decision turned out to be spot on, as they thrashed India by 72 runs to go one-nil up in the three-match series. Defending 208, the Proteas rode on Vernon Philander’s 6 for 42 to bowl out the hosts for just 135.

Here is the news feed:

South Africa Calls Up Olivier, Ngidi For Second Test Match Against India

SA vs IND 2018: Three Turning Points on Day Four

Catch India’s tour to South Africa here.

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