Rohit and Rahane praised by Indian Batting Coach Vikram Rathour

The Indian batting coach Vikram Rathour in the post-match press conference praised the batting performances displayed by Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane. Having lost opener Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara and skipper Virat Kohli early in the first session, Rohit Sharma along with Ajinkya Rahane steadied the innings for India. The 150-run partnership between the two took the score forward as India crossed the 200-run mark after lunch.

Speaking about the intent shown by the two batsmen, Rathour said,

“Ajinkya showed great intent today. Whenever he bats with this intent, he looks a really good player. As I said, they were bowling in good areas and there was some help in the wicket. So, as a batsman, you have to survive during that time, which Rohit did very well," he said.

He then emphasised on Sharma's role as an opener and stated that,

"If somebody of his stature starts coming good at the top of the order, that changes everything for the team, even when you are touring. He is such an experienced player; I don't think you need to meddle with his technique. He just had to make some mental adjustments with regard to his gameplan."

Rathour further heaped praises over Rabada bowling. "Rabada is one of the better bowlers in the world at the moment and today he showed why he is rated high. He bowled great areas today. And that is what good batters need to do in Test cricket," he added.

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Bad Light forces early call of the play

Just when India geared up on powering its inning, poor lighting played a spoilsport and the play had to be adjourned. The third test match between India and South Africa was stopped shortly after tea due to bad light and rains, as Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane frustrated the Proteas bowlers. After three early scalps in the day, South Africa's bowling attack struggled to bowl to Rohit Sharma and Rahane as the two built a crucial partnership of 185 runs, helping India recover from an early collapse.

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