India vs South Africa: KL Rahul showed tremendous discipline, says Sanjay Manjrekar on gritty knock

Sanjay Manjrekar praised KL Rahul for displaying tremendous discipline on the opening day of the first Test between India and South Africa at the SuperSport Park in Centurion. KL Rahul struck a battling half-century as India ended the day at 208/8 after losing their way in the post-lunch session. Wicketkeeper-batter KL Rahul was the only Indian player to score a half-century in the first innings, as he gave away nothing on a tricky surface for the Boxing Day Test. Rahul scored 70 runs off 105 balls, hitting 10 boundaries and two sixes. Former India batter Manjrekar said KL Rahul has always had the ability and talent and it was evident on the day. Day 1 highlights: Rabada's fifer, Rahul's gritty knock and other standout moments “When you look at that, you know, you can see how clear his mind is. The balls that were slightly outside off were left alone, balls that were close to the bat were defended, anything that had a bit of room on it, was punished. So he is in that state of mind. I keep talking about his state of mind because the ability of the talent has always been there,” said Manjrekar. KL Rahul’s 14th Test half-century earned further praise from Manjrekar over the batting discpline. “The only issue he had were his own batting demons, which used to come to the fore when he used to open in Test matches. Down the order, something else took control of his mind. And that is just tremendous discipline in such a fine margins. I think India have got enough runs on the board to even take a lead, considering the quality of Indian bowling and the quality of South African batting,” Manjrekar added. Meanwhile, former India captain Sunil Gavaskar sounded optimistic of India’s chances in the Test. “India have great chance. This is a very difficult pitch to bat,” Gavaskar said on Star Sports. He earlier said India will head into 2024 with a win under their belt. “I think they will because I think South Africa are not quite the same. Also, the South African batters aren’t quite in form and that gives India a terrific opportunity to win this game,” Gavaskar stated. “Indian batters, on the other hand, have been in prime form in all the matches. As you’ve seen, they have got experience on their side with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma playing here many times before. So, clearly, I think India will celebrate the New Year with a win,” he added. India will continue from 208/8 on Day 2 as they target their first-ever series win in South Africa, having tried and failed on eight previous tours.