Ajinkya Rahane's social media post goes viral after India lose 1st Test against South Africa

Ajinkya Rahane, a seasoned Indian batter, gained widespread attention on social media after his practice session video went viral on social media. The timing of his post was particularly noteworthy, coming on the heels of India's disheartening defeat to South Africa in the first Test at SuperSport Park in Centurion. Significantly, this defeat once again dashed India's hopes of clinching a Test series victory in South African conditions.

Despite Rahane's experience in the longest format of the game being well-established he was not included in the squad for the South African Test series. His pivotal role in India's 2018 triumph in Johannesburg, where he scored a crucial 48 on a challenging pitch, showcased his ability to excel in overseas conditions, especially in challenging situations.

Rahane's social media post featured a short four-second video, capturing him executing a flick shot on a fuller delivery, with the caption, "No rest days." This post garnered praise from numerous fans on social media, emphasising the significance of the batter's inclusion in the Indian Test squad.

See Ajinkya Rahane's X post:

No rest days 🏏 pic.twitter.com/EM218MqMhK

— Ajinkya Rahane (@ajinkyarahane88) December 29, 2023

South Africa take 1-0 lead in two-match Test series against India

In the first Test, South Africa captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and asked Rohit Sharma and Co. to bat first. The Indian batters struggled against the Proteas' pace attack, losing three wickets in a mere 12 overs. KL Rahul stood out, contributing significantly with a score of 101 off 137 deliveries, featuring 14 boundaries and four maximums, helping India post a total of 245 in the first innings. Kagiso Rabada and Nandre Burger, on the other hand, each claimed four-wicket hauls.

South Africa's opener, Dean Elgar, played a remarkable innings, scoring 187 as the hosts amassed a formidable total of 408 in the second innings. Additionally, David Bedingham contributed with 56, while Marco Jansen achieved a career-best score of 84*. Meanwhile, Jasprit Bumrah secured a four-wicket haul, while Mohammed Siraj grabbed two for India.

India faced a dismal start, losing opener Rohit Sharma for a duck and Yashasvi Jaiswal for five in the third innings. Virat Kohli played aggressively, scoring 76, but he was the last man to be dismissed, ultimately succumbing to South Africa's exceptional all-around performance. The Proteas' bowlers, including Burger, Jansen, and Rabada, claimed four, three, and two wickets, respectively, leading their team to a comprehensive victory with an innings and 32-run margin and taking a 1-0 lead in the series.