IND vs SA | Rohit Sharma answered his critics in best possible way, says Surinder Khanna

While Rohit Sharma's credentials as an opener in limited-overs cricket has been unquestionable, there have always been question marks over his ability in Test cricket, mainly due to his inconsistency. So in a last-gasp attempt of sorts to salvage Rohit's Test career, the selectors and team management gave him the opportunity to open the batting and the Mumbaikar grabbed the opportunity with both hands, scoring over 300 runs in the match, including twin centuries.

Khanna, a wicket-keeper batsman who played for India between 1979 and 1984, believes that South Africa sprung a surprise with their efforts in the first innings and also feels that Mohammed Shami's spell was an inspiring one. He also credited the efforts of Senuran Muthusamy and Dane Piedt with the bat, while also heaping praise on the spin twins Ravi Ashwin and Ravi Jadeja, who spun a web around the Proteas batsmen.

"Jadeja and Ashwin have been performing very nicely for the team. Whenever Jadeja has been given an opportunity, he has performed for the side. In the second innings, Jadeja was outstanding, his accuracy was precise. The curator has to be lauded for preparing a good cricketing pitch," he added.

A move of South Africa that invited criticism was their tactic to play three spinners and just go into the contest with two pacers. Despite pace being their strength, the visitors failed to back it and eventually ended up paying the price for it. Khanna feels that du Plessis and his men will have to learn from their mistakes and back their pacers heading into the second Test. He also lauded all-rounder Muthusamy and believes that the Proteas have found a gem in him. 

"In cricket you do not know anything, anyone can surprise on their day. South Africa has found a good player in Muthuswamy. He remained unbeaten in both the innings and showed grit while batting," he signed off.