South Africa vs India 2nd Test: KL Rahul laments India’s 60-70 runs short in first innings

India’s stand-in captain KL Rahul said the visitors could have been 60 to 70 runs short in the first innings of the second Test against South Africa in Johannesburg, which would have played a major role in their loss. Chasing 240 runs, South Africa captain Dean Elgar scored an unbeaten 96 on Thursday.

India were all out for 202 in the first innings, after which South Africa scored 229 runs. “If I had to be really tough, winning the toss we could have scored 60-70 more,” Rahul said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

Rahul lauded the efforts of Shardul Thakur, who took seven wickets in South Africa’s first innings and 28 off 24 balls in India’s second innings. He said, “Shardul’s Test match was fantastic. The few Test matches he has played, he has really made that impact and won us matches. His contribution with the bat was also significant. Hopefully as a unit, Few of us can do our best.” Join hands in the next Test and put on a performance that will lead India to victory,” said Rahul.

India were chasing their maiden Test series win in South Africa as they came into the second Test with a 1-0 lead in the three-match rubber.

“Every Test match we play we feel we should and should win. We are such a team, we compete really hard and we leave everything on the field. Yes, a little disappointing, but South Africa Credit to the way he played,” said Rahul at the post-match presentation ceremony.

“He batted really well and bowled well. We were really looking forward to getting on the field. We all thought we could do something special, getting 122 was not that easy, the pitch was up and down but Like I said, the South African batsmen were really determined and they got their job done.”