India had a great chance of winning the second test in the series at Johannesburg. With that they also had a change to win the series and create history but it was not to be. Some poor batting display and a gutsy effort by the South African players specially by the skipper Dean Elgar made sure that India didn't win the test match.
There were lots of factors why India lost the game, mainly the batting form of Indian middle order. India also missed Virat Kohli in the second test, not only for his batting but more so for his captaincy. He brings so much energy to the team. The energy that India lacked particularly while bowling in the second innings. People might argue that India won the series in Australia without Virat Kohli when Rahane lead the team to victory but still in this instance they really missed Kohli's captaincy. In the bowling department Siraj got injured in the first innings while bowling, that actually made a big difference. He never looked threatening after the injury.
Even though Pujara and Rahane got runs in the second innings, the first innings debacle which made the difference in the test match. Having said that there were some positives for India in the second test, like Shardul Thakur's amazing bowling performance. Taking a 7 wicket haul is no small feat. Also the batting form of Ashwin was a plus for India. Despite not taking many wickets Ashwin still is a very important part of the Indian cricket team.
Now for the third and final test in the series, India once again have a great chance of winning the series and creating history. Virat Kohli is all set to return in the third match. Siraj will miss the test match due to his injury, Kohli confirmed this in a press conference. So probably Ishant Sharma will replace him, we'll have to wait and see. But with Kohli back in the team India will again feel confident on winning the test match.
Kohli is now long due for some runs, specially his due for a century. We all know that once he starts scoring then there is no stopping him. He just scores so heavily once he gets going. If India want to put pressure on South Africa then Indian middle order has to fire. Pujara and Rahane played really well in the second innings of the last test match. The positive approach helped both Pujara and Rahane. Once the batting clicks the bowlers will take care of the rest as far as India is concerned.
South African bowlers are also in very good touch, with Rabada, Ngidi, Olivier and Jansen all looking finding their rhythm. Their batting has found some form. Keegan Petersen could be a find for South African cricket, he was excellent in the second test. Dean Elgar lead the team from the front. He played one of the best innings of his life to win the test match for his country.
All in all it'll be a great contest between the two spirited teams. India have great chance this time around but they need to grab it.
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