SA vs IND 2018: Virender Sehwag Hails Rahane-Bhuvneshwar for their Fighting Spirit

Team India after losing the opening two Tests against South Africa needed something miraculous to harbour hopes of winning the dead rubber, and they have put up a solid fight in the final Test so far and stands a chance of finishing the series on a high.

They have applied themselves pretty well in the 2^nd essay after surrendering a slender seven runs lead and are looking to set South Africa a tough score to chase especially considering the pitch conditions.

India began the 3^rd day’s play on 49/1 leading South Africa by 42 runs. They lost KL Rahul and Cheteshwar Pujara in quick succession, but it was a good batting by skipper Virat Kohli and Murali Vijay which bailed them out of trouble. However, Vijay was castled by Kagiso Rabada in the final over before lunch.

Comeback man Ajinkya Rahane who didn’t get a chance in the opening two Tests made his presence felt by smashing a couple of exquisite boundaries and questions were raised that what was the reason behind leaving him out for the first couple of Tests.

Skipper Kohli looked in good touch before Rabada castled him with a terrific inswinger which went through his bat and pad.

However, despite India stuttering to 148/6, it was the stand of Ajinkya Rahane and Bhuvneshwar Kumar who showed resistance and stitched together a valuable partnership which has put India in firm control of proceedings. The partnership for the 7^th wicket, as of now is 51 runs and with the amount of shape and carry the pitch is showing it is just a commendable job from the duo.

Former Indian opener and one of the most destructive batsmen during his playing days, Virender Sehwag heaped praises on the duo and hailed them for their determination.

“Amazing skills from Ajinkya Rahane and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, truly Dabangg. The resolve and determination will make every cricket lover proud, even though SA has been sloppy,” he wrote.

Amazing skills from Ajinkya Rahane and Bhuvneshwar Kumar , truly Dabangg. The resolve and determination will make every cricket lover proud, even though SA have been sloppy

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) January 26, 2018

India is currently on 199/6, leading South Africa by 192 runs and anything over 200 would pretty difficult for South Africa to chase down.