South Africa vs India 2018: 1st Test, Day 2 - 5 things we learnt from the day

#2 Hardik Pandya plays a brave cameo

Pandya's sensational cameo helped India negate the early loss of wickets.

India's quest for a blistering all-rounder seems to be over with Hardik Pandya more than stepping up at no.8 for the visitors at Newlands. The modern-day superstar of Indian cricket lambasted the South African attack, taking a counter-attacking route which AB de Villiers had successfully employed on day 1, to peg back South Africa's plans.

Pandya's intent was super important as he imposed himself on the Proteas bowlers even if he wasn't nailing the shots right off the middle of the willow. The intent put South Africa off and in no time India were digging away at the lead. He had a stable companion in Bhuvneshwar Kumar as well and the partnership resurrected India's innings. He was dropped early on by Dean Elgar off Dale Steyn and the missed chance cost South Africa dear.