The Indian team strengthened their grip on the second day of the second Test match against South Africa at Pune. The hosts’ were able to reduce South Africa to 36-3 after posting a mammoth score of 601-5 in the first innings. The Indian captain Virat Kohli was the star of the show as he scored an unbeaten knock of 254 runs.
Consequently, Kohli scored his seventh double-century – which is the most for any Indian batsman. The talisman went past the record of Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag who had scored six double tons.
Read More: Virat Kohli’s Double Century Puts India In Command On Day 2
India is in a commanding position.
The Indian team had an ideal start to the day as South Africa went wicketless in the first session. Kohli was able to get to his 26th hundred in the opening session whereas Ajinkya Rahane also completed his fifty, for which he had to grind hard.
Kohli and Rahane continued the assault after the Lunch break. However, Rahane was dismissed by Keshav Maharaj as the outside edge was neatly taken by Quinton de Kock. Both the right-handers added a fine alliance of 178 runs.
But the wicket of Ajinkya Rahane didn’t bring any respite for the South African bowlers. Ravindra Jadeja was able to hit the ground running and batted in the topmost gear. Kohli also joined in the assault after completing his double century.
Jadeja and Kohli went on to add 225 runs for the fifth wicket partnership before Jadeja was dismissed by Senuran Muthuswamy. The southpaw batsman missed his century by nine runs as he was dismissed on 91 runs.
Read More: India Vs South Africa 2019/20: Second Test (Day Two) – Statistical Highlights
On the other hand, South Africa had a horrible start with the bat. Aiden Markram was plumbed in front by Umesh Yadav. Furthermore, Dean Elgar chopped the ball back onto the stumps against Umesh Yadav. Moreover, Mohammed Shami was able to get rid of Temba Bavuma on the first ball he bowled.
Here is how Twitter reacted to India’s dominance:
Indian pacers outbowling their SA pace counterparts. Barring that odd spell here and there, not something one used to hear #IndvSA
— Bharath Ramaraj (@Fancricket12) October 11, 2019
Most Test runs among active cricketers
7054 Virat Kohli
7043 Joe Root
6973 Steve Smith
6839 Ross Taylor
6458 David Warner
6163 Kane Williamson#INDvSA— Deepu Narayanan (@deeputalks) October 11, 2019
Me : I’ve bought a new car
Jealous relative: pic.twitter.com/Ls8JZepB2t
— Pakchikpak Raja Babu (@HaramiParindey) October 11, 2019
The nightwatchman does his job, hopefully Faf obliges tomorrow.
— Nikhil ? (@CricCrazyNIKS) October 11, 2019
https://twitter.com/HitmanCricket/status/1182599964876259328?s=20
Test cricket Batting much like driving on Indian roads, be cautious when in the middle of a good spell, but you can accelerate on a free road.. and of course a good ball could come from anywhere ??♂️, best is to forget and move on ??? ..#INDvsSA
— S.Badrinath (@s_badrinath) October 11, 2019
26th Test 100 for Virat Kohli after 10 innings without one. Last 100 came at Perth in Dec 2018.
Kohli 138 inns – fourth quickest to reach 26 Test 100s after Bradman 69 inns, S Smith 121 & Tendulkar 136.#IndvSA #IndvsSA— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) October 11, 2019
Most centuries as a captain in Test cricket:
25 – Graeme Smith
19 – Ricky Ponting
19 – VIRAT KOHLI*
15 – Allan Border
15 – Steve Smith#INDvsSA— Umang Pabari (@UPStatsman) October 11, 2019
Even #ViratKohli is bored of celebrating his 100 🙂 #INDvsSA
— Vikram Sathaye (@vikramsathaye) October 11, 2019
If I were to pick one word for @imVkohli that keeps him apart from the rest it has to be #Motivation ,driven to be the Leader and the Batsman that he is ? #INDvsSA
— S.Badrinath (@s_badrinath) October 11, 2019
https://twitter.com/loveyouall_007/status/1182593282448060416?s=20
https://twitter.com/Boomrah_/status/1182602008366174209?s=20
Congrats to @imVkohli on his double hundred and @mayankcricket for his hundred. Well played guys. Keep it up!#INDvsSA pic.twitter.com/FBJ30l911E
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) October 11, 2019
Test Match Cricket pitches in India are boring … The first 3/4 days the contest is far too in favour of the Bat … needs more action for the bowler … My thought of the day … #INDvSA
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) October 11, 2019
The landmarks flow for Virat Kohli. Like a champion batsman he breaks a 10 innings century drought with a double. And, something that is becoming noteworthy for him, without a single six! Most doubles by an Indian now and the small matter of 7000 test runs.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 11, 2019
Virat Kohli signalling not out when everyone else around was celebrating a wrong caught-behind decision. The man is still watching the ball like a hawk! 😉 #INDvSA
— Vinayakk (@vinayakkm) October 11, 2019
south africa successfully evading being spun out #INDvSA
— Gaurav Kalra (@gauravkalra75) October 11, 2019
Misery compounded for South Africa. Quality quick bowling from Yadav and Shami but also tired minds and bodies dragging a bat out
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) October 11, 2019