'Aap Karo Toh Chamatkar, Hum Karein toh Pitch Bekaar': Sehwag and Others React After IND's Win Over SA Inside 2 Dayss

Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar lauded Jasprit Bumrah for his brilliant spell on Day 2 of the Cape Town Test which laid the foundation of India’s emphatic 7-wicket win over South Africa to level the series 1-1. Bumrah claimed a six-wicket haul to dismantle the Proteas innings in the second innings as they managed to set a  mere 79-run target for India. Meanwhile, it was a piece of cake for India in the chase as they won the match in just 12 overs to register the first-ever Test win in Cape Town.

Sachin said that the pacer was rewarded for consistently bowling in the channel.

“Well bowled by Bumrah, who showed us exactly, how bowling in the channel consistently is all that’s required on such type of wickets,” wrote Tendulkar on his social media platform X.

Tendulkar also hailed South African opener Aiden Markram, who weathered hostile bowling on a difficult track to score a dogged 106 in the second essay.

“Markram’s approach was fantastic because sometimes attack is the best form of defence on a pitch like this.”

Former India opener Virender Sehwag, while being tongue-in-cheek in his remark about the opposition, said India’s pace bowling attack was one of the most threatening in the world.

“Aap karo toh chamatkar… Hum karein toh pitch bekaar (It’s a miracle if you (opposition) do it… and if we achieve it, the pitch is bad). 107 overs — Test match over. Also proves, anything there for the fast bowlers, we are more threatening with our quality. Bumrah and Siraj were spectacular and a good beginning to 2024,” posted Sehwag.

Veteran wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik opined that it would have been great to witness a third Test to decide the winner of the series.

“This match had so much in so little time! To bat in a bowler’s paradise is a big Test. Some great bowling performances and a brave knock from Markram on such a tricky pitch. Would have loved to see another Test in this intense series for a decider,” Karthik wrote.

BCCI secretary Jay Shah praised the Indian bowlers for utilising the favourable conditions, while also applauding Rohit Sharma’s leadership skills.

“Congratulations Team India for levelling the series against South Africa. Our bowlers capitalised on the favourable conditions, with Md Siraj delivering a ruthless performance, securing a 7-wicket haul in the match.

“Jasprit Bumrah was clinical in the second innings, ending with an 8-wicket haul as well. This historic triumph at Newlands marks Team India’s first-ever win at the venue.

“Brilliant leadership skills by Rohit Sharma played a crucial role, guiding the team with strategic brilliance. Additionally, Virat Kohli showcased his class with a vital 46-run knock on a challenging track, contributing significantly after the bowlers set the stage,” wrote Shah on ‘X’.