'I talked about that too,': Ex-cricketer concerns IND’s bowling approach vs Elgar in the 1st test

The first Test match between India and South Africa ended in a resounding victory for South Africa, who won by an innings and 32 runs. India batted first, scoring 245 runs, with KL Rahul making a notable contribution of 101 runs. South Africa responded with a total of 408 in their first innings, led by Dean Elgar's outstanding 185. In the second innings, India struggled, only managing 131 runs, largely due to the impressive bowling of South Africa's Nandre Burger and Marco Jansen. Dean Elgar's exceptional batting performance earned him the accolade of standout player in the match. The match took place at the SuperSport Park Cricket Stadium, offering fans a thrilling display of skill and competition.  

3 things you need to know 

• India lost to South Africa by an innings and 32 runs
• Dean Elgar was named Player of the Match in the first Test
• The Indian Cricket Team failed to perform at its best level

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Irfan Pathan made a huge statement regarding India’s bowling tactics ahead of the 2nd Test 

During the first Test of the two-match series in Centurion, former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan questioned the tactics used by the squad against former South African captain Dean Elgar.

Dean Elgar, the 36-year-old, who announced his retirement, dominated India's bowling attack in his farewell series, scoring an astounding 185 runs off 287 deliveries. Elgar's outstanding performance preserved the hosts' perfect Test series record against India at home while also giving them a commanding 163-run lead in the opening innings. With an innings and thirty-two runs to spare, the Proteas took a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series.

Pathan discussed Elgar's apparent susceptibility to short-pitched deliveries in a post-match discussion with Star Sports. He also stated that he thought the Indian bowlers should have taken advantage of this flaw sooner in Elgar's innings. Irfan Pathan said: 

"Elgar is known to have problems with the short ball. You bowled short balls to him when he was batting at 60-70. In the next match, please bowl short balls to him early. He got out to short balls in 4 times in Australia and I talked about that too in the commentary. You have to bowl very well in the second match to level the series," 

"India did not have any sharpness in their bowling. The Indian bowling unit did not get the balance of attack vs defence right. When Elgar got set, even then India continued their attacking bowling as if they would get him out with one delivery," 

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Elgar's outstanding effort in the first Test secured his 14th Test century in 85 games, as well as his second century against India. His batting talent is reflected in a 43.30 average in 14 Tests against the Indian squad. In the absence of the injured Temba Bavuma, the left-handed batter will lead the Proteas in the forthcoming second Test in Cape Town, which begins on January 3. Elgar will be captaining the side for the first time in Test cricket.