Twitter users were left scratching their heads at India’s surprise team selections for the first Test at Cape Town as vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane had to sit out. However, what raised more eyebrows was limited-overs specialist Jasprit Bumrah being handed his first Test cap.
The cricket loving folk, though, while lapping up the brave call to select Bumrah, did not take kindly to Rahane being dropped for Rohit Sharma. Among the current lot of batsmen, Rahane boasts of the best overall record outside the subcontinent. Some slammed Kohli too, as they think Rahane sitting out was a knee-jerk reaction to the Mumbai batsman going through a lean patch during the Sri Lanka series at home.
There were pundits who lauded India for taking the attack to South Africa too, but many raged at Rahane having to miss out. Here is how Twitter reacted:
Bumrah created some history at the Newlands. Incidentally, the pacer’s first match across formats now have come outside the subcontinent.
As the former India opener points out, what happens to India’s slip catching now? The visitors have been below par in that department in recent times:
An interesting analogy here:
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!