South Africa won the final Test against India at Cape Town by 7 wickets and clinched the series 2-1, in a dramatic turnaround, after being 0-1 down initially.
The final Test was a series of memorable moments including a fantastic hundred by Rishabh Pant, who was under criticism of late for his swashbuckling playing style.
Pant’s knock enable India to set the hosts a target of 212.
With not many runs on the board, the Indian bowlers were always under tremendous pressure. South Africa who lost captain Quinton de Kock after the first Test, when he announced his surprise retirement from test Cricket, played like an inspired lot, led by a fanstastic innings by Keegan Petersen who was only in the initial part of his Test career against a vastly experienced Indian bowling line-up.
The match was not without its controversial moments though, as the hosts sailed to a smooth victory at the end.
In the 21st over, SA captain Dean Elgar was adjudged LBW by the on-field umpire Marais Erasmus when he was hit in front of the stumps by an Ashwin delivery.
However, the decision was overturned on review. A fuming Kohli responded by going up to the stump mic with some choice words ‘Focus on your team as well when they shine the ball eh, not just the opposition. Trying to catch people all the time.’ Kohli yelled.
Rahul and Ashwin also expressed similar reactions. ‘Its the whole country against 11 guys,’ KL Rahul opined, while Ashwin observed ‘You should find better ways to win, SuperSport.’
Kohli’s outburst didn’t go down well with spectators and ex-players alike. Former opener Gautam Gambhir. felt the tirade was ‘immature and lamented that, with such exaggerated reaction, ‘the India skipper will never be a role model to youngsters’
Former South African batting great Daryll Cullinan also slammed Kohli for his outburst.
‘This is the typical Virats untouchable, he behaves the way he wants to behave. The rest of the cricket world just bows down to Virat. The powerhouse is India. I hate to say this but its been going on for years,’ he said.
‘Its just the big suck up towards India and anybody who plays for India. They are untouchable, so everyone will laugh it off’ Cullinan added.
With these series win, the host remain unvanquished at home against India.