1. Sehwag’s Kotla
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It all came a full circle for one of Indian cricket’s most entertaining sons, even before the match started today.
Virender Sehwag got a wonderful send-off from his original home ground. The BCCI and DDCA collectively honoured the retired opener, before the toss. Two stands at the ground were even named after his famous triple centuries - the Viru 309 End and Viru 319 End.
The 37-year-old was congratulated by the entire squad of both, the Indian and the South African team.
2. Dhawan-Pujara Bye Bye
Electing to bat first after winning the toss, Murali Vijay hung on till the 16th over before conceding his wicket.
Pujara and Dhawan then soldiered on, adding 32 to the team’s total before the Delhi-boy got trapped LBW for 33 to Piedt. His partner couldn’t hang on for much longer without him and within an over, became Kyle Abbott’s first wicket. Out for 14.
Suddenly India were 66/3 and the signs looked ominous.
3. The Virat 44
His first home series as captain and Virat Kohli wrapped it up in style even before coming to Delhi for the final fixture.
So many records for his team, but the young skipper has been found lacking in his own batting card. A high score of 29 in his four innings before reaching Delhi and many were hoping for some big hits at his home ground.
Kohli stepped out at number four after the fall of Shikhar Dhawan’s wicket. A flurry of boundaries to entertain the Kotla crowd and the Virat finally surpassed his series’ high-score.
Inching closer to a 50, the 27-year-old however got out in the most anticlimactic fashion.
Piedt’s delivery looks headed to the boundary when Bavuma turns to avoid the ball. Hits him on his thigh, goes high in the air and keeper Vilas pounces on it before it touches the sand.
Out for 44. India: 136/4
4. The Piedt Parade
The man’s never played an international game in India. He’s just played one Test for South Africa, heck he’s never even played an ODI for the team
So, what was Amla thinking when he picked this 25-year-old off-spinner for Delhi?
The answer was clear by lunch. Murali Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma all had his name against theirs on the scorecard.
By far the most utilised bowler in the team, Piedt’s 34 overs went for 101 runs but notched up four wickets.
4. Rahane’s Homecoming
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Coming into the final Test, AB de Villiers was the highest-scorer of the entire series with the 85 he scored in Bangalore.
Ajinkya Rahane on his part, had managed a total of just 39 in his four innings.
But he came ready for the party.
Two maximums, nine boundaries and 155 minutes later, he is now the highest-scorer of the series. The Mumbai batsman was standing strong at 89* with Ashwin for company when the umpires called stumps in Delhi.
India: 231/7 in 84 overs (Rahane: 89*, Kohli: 44, Piedt 4/101, Abbott 3/23)
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