Rabada's Top-3 Test Wins: Why South Africa's Kolkata Victory Stands Out

Kagiso Rabada has placed South Africa's recent Test win over India among their top three victories in the format. The fast bowler missed the match due to injury but watched nervously from the sidelines. He praised the team's collective effort with multiple players contributing at crucial moments. This victory marks South Africa's first Test win in India since 2010 and gives them a series lead.

Key Points: Rabada Ranks Kolkata Test Win Among South Africa's Best Victories

  • South Africa ended 14-year Test win drought in India with Kolkata victory
  • Rabada described watching from sidelines as emotional roller coaster
  • Team showed collective effort with multiple players stepping up
  • Victory gives Proteas 1-0 lead in two-match Test series against India
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Win over India in Kolkata among SA's top-3 Test wins: Rabada

Kagiso Rabada calls South Africa's 30-run win over India at Eden Gardens one of their top three Test victories, ending India's home dominance since 2010.

"Definitely right up there... this one is definitely in top three - Kagiso Rabada"

New Delhi, Nov 17

Ace fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has ranked South Africa’s 30-run win over India in the first Test at Eden Gardens as amongst the team’s top three victories in the longer format. The win coming inside three days is also South Africa’s first win in Tests in India since 2010 and has given them a 1-0 lead in the two-game series.

"Definitely right up there. With the types of wins that we've had this season, it's hard to say because we've had some pretty epic wins. But this one is definitely in top three," said Rabada in a video posted on Proteas Men account on ‘X’ on Monday.

Though Rabada missed out on playing due to a rib injury, he said watching the game from the sidelines was a proper emotional roller coaster. "That was typical Test cricket. I mean, like, just the ebbs and flows of the game. We found ourselves on the back foot and then somehow managed to finish on the front foot.

“So, I mean, it's quite nerve-wracking on the side and just itching to want to get out. But, I mean, I don't know what to say. It's just like an emotional roller coaster and I'm glad that we finished on the right side.”

He further said the Proteas believe in all of their members chipping in to make the team win from any situation. “We had a good start in the first innings with Aiden and Rickelton. They set the tone. Marco stood up, Boshie stood up at crucial times. Everyone chipped in and really, that's the hallmark of what this team is made of.

“No matter who sits out, we can still find a way to win. Temba has been crucial for us, but he hasn't played every game. I didn't play this game. That doesn't matter. Whoever is going to get out on the field, we believe that they can do the job.”

After having secured crucial 12 points in Kolkata, the current World Test Champions South Africa will take on India in the second Test starting at ACA Stadium in Guwahati on Saturday.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Eden Gardens used to be our fortress! 😔 This loss hurts more because it's at home. Need to address our middle-order batting issues before the next test.
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Arjun K
Respect to Rabada for acknowledging the team effort. Even without him, SA showed great character. Our boys need to learn from this and come back stronger! 💪
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Sarah B
As someone who follows both teams, this was proper test cricket! The ebbs and flows Rabada mentioned were exactly what made it thrilling. Great advertisement for the format!
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Vikram M
Honestly, our team selection needs rethinking. Playing at home and losing in 3 days is unacceptable. Hope the management takes some bold decisions for Guwahati.
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Kavya N
The way SA fought back after being on the back foot shows their mental strength. Our team needs to develop that killer instinct in pressure situations. Still believe in our boys though! 🏏

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