With the Test series set to get underway from 2 October, Faf du Plessis has left for India as he will join the South African squad for the longest format. But sadly, he is set to miss the connecting flight to India from Dubai due to a delay from British Airways.
Taking to Twitter, du Plessis broke the news and wrote: "Finally on a plane to Dubai after a 4 hour delay . Now I'm gonna miss my flight to India, next flight is only 10 hours later."
Soon after, the former South African skipper again tweeted saying that his kit bag didn’t arrive with him in the same flight. He said, “ When life gives you lemons , make lemonade .My cricket bag hasn’t arrived !!!!!!!!!! Actually can just smile about it but, wow British Airways, today was one of my worst flying experiences where everything went wrong. Now just hoping I’ll have my bats back eventually (sic).”
Meanwhile, the Indian team after winning the second T20I against South Africa in Mohali reached Bengaluru on Thursday, 19 September, and some of the players hit the ground to fine-tune their skills under the watchful eyes of head coach Ravi Shastri.
With the first game in Dharamshala washed out, the Indians came out all guns blazing in the second game and with skipper Virat Kohli leading from the front, the Men in Blue thrashed the Proteas by 7 wickets.
Speaking after the game, Kohli praised the youngsters for the comprehensive win. "When you play like that and win a game for your team, it is always a good feeling. The pitch was very good and an outstanding effort from the bowlers to pull things back. As long as they (youngsters) show character in difficult situations, they are going to present a strong case for themselves in the future."
With the bat, Kohli surpassed Rohit Sharma as the highest run-getter in T20 internationals as he remained unbeaten on 72 to guide the team home. The captain said the knock reminded him of his 82 not out at this very ground against Australia in the 2016 World T20.
“That night (2016 game vs AUS) was a revelation of how fit you can be on a cricket field. Lot of positive signs for us and they’ll get many more games to prove their mettle. They are going in the right direction. The badge in front of my shirt - India - it is a pride to play for my country. Whatever it takes, whichever format, to get us across the line, I’ll do that.”Virat Kohli
"Adapting in different formats is nothing but a mindset of making your team win. If you want to win a game for your team, you will find a way. That's the most important thing. I never think for myself, it's always about what the team needs. Test cricket, one-day cricket ... the will should be to win the game for your country," he added.
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