A lighthearted interaction between Indian skipper KL Rahul and South African all-rounder Keshav Maharaj has been making waves across cricket circles. During the recent IND vs SA 3rd ODI, the Boland Park Stadium in Paarl played “Ram Siya Ram” as Maharaj stepped onto the pitch, a moment that caught Rahul’s attention. Rahul amusingly remarked that the song played whenever Maharaj came to bat, prompting a warm smile from the South African.
Despite Maharaj’s brief innings, India claimed a comprehensive victory by 78 runs. This win marked Rahul’s achievement as the second Indian captain, following Virat Kohli, to secure an ODI series win in South Africa.
Sanju Samson’s maiden international century was the match’s centerpiece. His partnership with Tilak Verma was instrumental in India’s commanding first innings score of 296 for eight. Arshdeep Singh’s stellar four-wicket haul during the second innings bolstered India’s performance, restricting South Africa to 218 runs.
With the ODI series sealed 2-1 in India’s favor and the T20I series drawing 1-1, the tour’s focus now shifts to the much-anticipated Test series. Set to commence on December 26 at SuperSport Park Cricket Stadium in Centurion, India, under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, aims to clinch their inaugural bilateral Test series victory against South Africa.
The second Test match is scheduled at Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town from January 3-7. The Men in Blue are geared up to script history in the Test arena as they seek their maiden series triumph in this format against South Africa.
