Duanne Olivier dismissed out-of-form batters Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane off successive balls to leave a Virat Kohli-less India reeling at 53 for 3 at lunch against South Africa on the opening day of the second Test.
Having given up hopes of playing for England, Olivier, who played his first Test in Proteas colour after three years, removed Pujara (3 off 33 balls) with an extra bounce and then with a slight seam movement had Rahane (0) caught at slips.
The start wasn't great for India as they could not have skipper Kohli in the playing XI due to back spasms but Rahul couldn't be blamed for electing to bat first and make the best use of difficult conditions.
Till Agarwal was giving him company, the openers, just like in Centurion, looked good. But once he was gone, Pujara got into a shell and was very uncomfortable against steep bouncers which finally became his undoing.
Olivier's natural back-of-length deliveries were the perfect recipe for disaster as he fended one that was wide of short leg fielder but the next one lobbed up to point fielder for an easy catch.
Rahane's dismissal was that of a player, whose confidence has been torn to pieces. The ball pitched on fourth stump channel with a shade cut-back that creates indecision on whether to play or not. Rahane dangled his bat and the catch was taken in the slips.
Both Rahane and Pujara have had a bumpy ride in the last couple of years. Pujara has averaged just 25.52 (Since 3 January 2020) while Rahane has averaged 24.22. Rahane has hit just one century in this period while Pujara has hit none. Here's how Twitter reacted after the senior duo got out off consecutive deliveries on Day 1 of the 2nd Test against South Africa.
Last legs. Both Pujara and Rahane #INDvsSA
— Vikrant Gupta (@vikrantgupta73) January 3, 2022
Pujara and Rahane taking turns to honour their selection with 1st ball #INDvsSA
— Sohini M. (@Mittermaniac) January 3, 2022
If it wasn't for the bowling attack that India has, Pujara and Rahane would have been playing Ranji Trophy this year! #SAvIND
— Arani Basu (@AraniBasuTOI) January 3, 2022
Test careers of Pujara and Rahane on the brink
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) January 3, 2022
Advantage SA. Pujara and Rahane score 3 and 0 respectively. Since 2021, Pujara averages 27.1 and Rahane averages 19.95 in Test cricket! The duo needs big runs in the coming Tests.
— Sarang Bhalerao (@bhaleraosarang) January 3, 2022
At some point, somebody will have the courage to accept Pujara and Rahane must go. Their replacements might fail too, no one can guarantee success but you can't keep picking on two players who have shown no signs of resurgence.
— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) January 3, 2022
Pujara and Rahane in test team pic.twitter.com/dlfHrzzo4S
— A (@AppeFizzz) January 3, 2022
I think Pujara & Rahane have become Purane.
— Ramesh Srivats (@rameshsrivats) January 3, 2022
Pujara and Rahane are the 'e' and 'a' in Tea.
— Sir Yuzvendra (parody) (@SirYuzvendra) January 3, 2022
With inputs from PTI
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