Shikhar Dhawan India South Africa
Shikhar Dhawan insists on staying positive and confident ahead of the second Test in Centurion.

High-flying Team India came crashing down in the first Test against South Africa. The world number one Test side left for the rainbow nation brimming with confidence, having registered nine consecutive series wins but failed to put up a good batting show against the formidable Proteas pace attack and succumbed to a 72-run loss.

India started the game on a stunning note with Bhuvneshwar Kumar ripping through South Africa’s top-order to reduce them to 12 for three. However, they let South Africa off the hook from thereon, as the Proteas recovered from the disastrous start and posted 286.

In reply, India’s top-order failed to put up a good show on a tough pitch. The visitors were reeling at 92 for seven before Hardik Pandya’s 93-run knock helped them post 209.

SA vs IND 2018: 'Sad' Shikhar Dhawan Emphasizes on Remaining Positive and Confident
India lost the first Test by 72 runs (Credits: BCCI)

India’s bowlers then gave their side a big chance of winning the game by dismissing South Africa for just 130. However, the batsmen once again failed to deliver, cutting a sorry throughout figure, as India were all out for a mere 135.

Shikhar Dhawan, who was doubtful for the game owing to an ankle injury, also had a forgettable outing, as he could manage only 16 in both innings (from 13 balls and 20 balls, respectively). However, just like the team and his teammates, the southpaw is already looking forward to next match.

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The opening batsman took to Twitter to post a message, expressing his disappointment and emphasising the importance of remaining positive and confident for the upcoming second Test in Centurion.

“It’s sad we lost the game! But it is important we stay positive and confident as a team. Looking forward to the next game,” he posted.

The second match of the three-match series will get underway on January 13, as India looks to bounce back from the humiliating defeat.

Here is the news feed:

South Africa Vs India: Three things India need to rectify before Centurion Test

South Africa Vs India: Faf du Plessis heaps praise on powerful Dale Steyn

Follow India’s tour to South Africa here: South Africa Vs India – 2018

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