Having won their first Test against South Africa at Centurion, India succumbed to a defeat at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg as a resurgent South Africa beat the visitors by seven wickets to tie the three-match Test series at 1-1.

South Africa had a target of 240 to chase after India’s second innings, and skipper Dean Elgar led the team from the front in South Africa’s second innings, scoring 96 off 188 balls and remaining not out. South African players Aiden Markram, Keegan Petersen, Rassie van der Dussen, and Temba Bavuma all contributed equally to finish the game off.

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India’s defeat in the second Test at the Wanderers Stadium marked their first-ever Test cricket loss on the ground, which has historically been a fortress for India. Here’s how netizens reacted to the loss.

Experts’ reactions:

Cricket commentator and analyst Harsha Bhogle was quick to point out that India looked lacklustre when their bowlers were off the pace.

Former India bowler Irfan Pathan praised the determination of the South African skipper, while also pointing out that India could have played better in the second Test.

Meanwhile, former South African cricketing icon Graeme Smith lauded his team’s performance, and even went on to call it one of South Africa’s greatest Test victories.

Not everyone, however, cut India slack, with some even calling for the head of KL Rahul for his mediocre performance.

Cricket analyst Aakash Chopra, however, praised the quality of the competition and said that 2022 already looks promising as far as cricket is concerned.

Fans’ reactions:

Indian fans, by and large, appeared to be disappointed with the team’s performance, with many pointing out that this was the weakest South Africa side India had faced in a while.

Others, meanwhile, rued captain Virat Kohli’s absence from the team. Kohli missed the second Test due to a back problem, but there are hopes that he will return for the final Test in Cape Town.

With the series tied at 1-1, the final match at the Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town will be the decider. The third and final Test will commence on January 11 and continue till January 15.