South Africa vs India 2018: 2nd Test Day 2: 5 things we learnt from the day

#1 Kohli stands tall

Kohli's well compiled 85 not out has kept India in the hunt.

Virat Kohli as captain has been facing a lot of criticism regarding the team selection. Thus, he needed to do something special with the bat to silence the critics.

In the first Test, Kohli looked in good touch in the second innings but fell prey to a wonderful set-up from Philander. When the skipper strode out to bat in the second Test, India were in trouble at 28/2 (having lost two wickets off two deliveries).

The confidence with which he started his innings eased a lot of nerves in the dressing room. He looked very calm and was looking solid. He left the ball well, defended solidly, ran hard between the wickets and as usual drove the ball beautifully. He largely remained patient and kept the good deliveries out. He was occasionally beaten but he didn’t let that bother him as the Indian captain looked very focused and determined.

Not only was he batting well, he was communicating very well with his partners. He was applauding his partners every now and then. At the fag end of the day, when Pandya walked out to join him, Kohli was giving him some tips and was also trying to indicate what the bowler was trying to do.

Thus, even though wickets fell around him, he looked very determined and ended the day with a sublime unbeaten 85. Thus, he will be crucial to India’s chances in this Test which is slightly in the favour of the South Africans at the moment.