Will India beat South Africa in India? Absolutely, there was no doubt about that given the form of Virat Kohli and co. India has always been a tough side to beat in their own territory. But who knew they could seal the series with a whitewash, plus two wins by an innings difference? Well, South Africa’s inexperienced line-up completely failed to deal with the Indian bowling assault, and the batsmen piled up mountains of runs that they just couldn't breach.
Virat Kohli & co. completely outplayed the visitors in a 3-0 whitewash - their first-ever against South Africa. Here, we list down a few astonishing stats that are too hard to believe, but replicate the story of this three match Test series.
Rohit's Bradmanesque run of form
The Indian opener was returning to Test fold for the first time since visiting downunder late last year. What a way to make a comeback. Almost felt like he never left Test cricket arena and caught many by surprise with his prolific form.
He currently has a batting average of 99.84 in home, more than legendary Don Bradman's 98.22.
Kohli's double hundred in Pune
The Indian skipper's 254* was his 7th double hundred in Test cricket. He now has the most number of double hundreds in Test cricket from India, ahead of Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag (6 each).
Ashwin: Returns with a magical figure
Ashwin's 7 for 145 runs in the first innings of Visakhapatnam Test was the best bowling figures of the series. The Chennaiyan went past 350 wickets in Test cricket, equalling M Muralitharan's record who also took the same number of matches to reach that figure.
In contrast, K Rabada was South Africa's leading wicket-taker with a total of 7 scalps to his name. The visitors never had a strike bowler throughout the series, something that rubbed salt to their mediocre performance with the bat.
George Linde (4 for 135) was the only South African player to feature inside the top 10 best bowling figures in this series.
Mayank: One who set the standard
There were plenty of 'first-ever' during the series and it all started by India's opener Mayank Agarwal in Visakhapatnam test. Mayank scored his maiden hundred (215) and followed by another magnificent knock in Pune (108).
Record 11th for Team India
India confirmed their record 11th consecutive home test series win in Pune, most by any team (surpassing Australia’s 10 consecutive series win). The last defeat India faced was against England (lost 1-2) in 2012-13.
India (240 points) currently lead the ICC World Test Championship points table by a huge margin (NZ and SL joint-second with 60 points each). Next fixtures in whites for Team India will be of two test series in Bangladesh. Considering the form and home conditions for Team India, it’s going to be a healthy lead for quite some time now.
