'Feel for them' - Twitter reacts as Ajinkya Rahane makes the cut ahead of Vihari and Iyer in the first Test against South Africa

South Africa and India have locked horns with each other for the first Test at the SuperSport Park, Centurion. Virat Kohli won the toss and elected to bat first. However, what has intrigued the cricket on-lookers is that Ajinkya Rahane has been included in the setup ahead of Hanuma Vihari and Shreyas Iyer.

Rahane has had a rough patch in his career lately. He has scored  411 runs in 12 Tests this year at an average of 19.57. His consistency and average have been a factor of concern for the side. Whereas Iyer on the other hand made his Test debut in style against New Zealand in the Kanpur Test.

He hit an impressive century in the first innings to blow the trumpet of his repertoire. The batter then followed it up with a half-century in the second innings. Considering his recent performances, there were discussions that he might make it to the playing XI replacing Rahane who has been struggling to pile up big runs.

Whereas Hanuma Vihari was left out from the Test setup against the Kiwis and rather toured South Africa with India A team to play the unofficial Tests. He had a decent outing in the tour and having spent a considerable amount of time in the country it was speculated that he will be considered in the playing XI for the South Africa Tests.

But the Indian team went with Ajinkya Rahane and has backed the player to get back his rhythm. India hasn’t won a Test series in South Africa yet, however, the team’s performances in the overseas tours in recent years have been fabulous. They defeated Australia twice at their home and also took a lead of 2-1 against England before the five-match Test series was paused after Covid 19 outbreak in the Indian camp.

Thus, India enters this contest as favorites to dominate the proceedings. It is a no-brainer that South Africa will aim to make the most of their home conditions and with a lethal-looking fast bowling unit they will look forward to outplaying the visitors. However, the decision of not including Iyer and Vihari in the setup and giving a green signal to Rahane has fetched mixed reactions from the cricketing fraternity.

Here is how Twitter reacted to the same:

No Iyer. No Vihari. India going in with 5 batters. Brave brave call. 🤞 #SAvIND

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) December 26, 2021

One shouldn't question Thakur's selection ahead of Vihari instead it should have been Rahane's selection ahead of Vihari. His performances in the last 5 years have been below par. Need a good performance from him else should be dropped in the next Test. #INDvsSA #Vihari #Rahane

— Prashanth (@prashanth125678) December 26, 2021

Prediction: This is going to be that match for Ajinkya Rahane..that will help him retain his place in the Indian Test side for two more years. So unfair on players like Hanuma Vihari. #SAvIND

— chaithu (@6eChaithu) December 26, 2021

Should really feel bad for vihari & for Rahane feel this will be his last chance. 4 pace bowlers & with Ashwin, looking good on paper & all depends on how well India bats. Go well boys 💙. #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/wbF3nOBbKb

— Thana (@Pitstop387) December 26, 2021

Unfair to drop vihari when he performed for A side as asked by the selectors

— Hrithik (@HRITHIK__PANDEY) December 26, 2021

No vihari, no iyer.. thought rahul dravid has some sense.. but not so… https://t.co/MsVJvf2Ji9

— Sivajimadhu (@sivajimadhu) December 26, 2021

Feels bad for Vihari 💔#INDvSA #BoxingDayTest

— Dhananjayan (@Im_Dhananjayan) December 26, 2021

This is terrible for Vihari. Doesn't get picked in Indian conditions and after a decent showing against South Africa A not picked in South Africa also. Till how long does reputation precede form??? #SAvsIND #HanumaVihari #Rahane

— Slipstream Cricket (@SlipstreamCrick) December 26, 2021

Unfair on Vihari. #INDvSA

— Annamalai Valliappan (@Tweetannuval) December 26, 2021

Imagine Rahane having good 1st test match, India winning and Rahane securing his place for another 4 years.
Shreyas and Vihari will be disappear like Karun Nair#INDvSA

— Parth Patel (@Parth_Patel_27) December 26, 2021

Exactly. Spot on

I am no expert but I have always believed that Vihari and Saha are proper test playera (as in you can count on them when things go sideways)

— Atanu (@atanu_74) December 26, 2021

Vihari : Team coming : 2020
Vihari : Far from Team : 2021
Vihari : No way in team : Coming soon, In stadium near you.#INDvSA

— Dattu Sharma (@Im_Datta0) December 26, 2021