NEW DELHI: Indian batsman KL Rahul attributed India's remarkable turnaround in the second Test against South Africa to a "mental shift" after losing the opening match.
India clinched a seven-wicket victory in Cape Town within two days, leveling the two-match series in a memorable draw.
'We weren't 100% in Centurion'
Reflecting on the defeat in Centurion, where India lost by an innings and 32 runs, Rahul acknowledged the team lacked the "extra fire" and confidence required for success.
He credited South Africa for not allowing India to find their rhythm.
"I think we weren't really 100 per cent during our last match in terms of batting or bowling. We were prepared, but that extra edge or extra fire was missing, credit to South Africa as well, that they didn't allow us to reach that confidence," said the 31-year-old in an interview with 'Star Sports'.
How Team India regrouped for Cape Town Test
Rahul appreciated the team's ability to quickly regroup and implement a change in planning and attitude for the second Test.
Despite being prepared for the first match, the unexpected defeat prompted a mental shift, and Rahul highlighted the team's determination to bounce back.
"There was a little bit of change in planning and attitude only. I mean we can't say that we weren't ready during the last Test match. We were ready but there are situations where the opposition really blasts you out of the Test match or we are not used to it," Rahul explained.
1/9:Five shortest Tests in history: India's record-breaking victory
ANI
2/9:India's Historic Victory
India's victory in the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town broke many records, most notably becoming the shortest completed Test match in the history of the game, lasting just 642 balls.PTI
3/9:1. Shortest Match in Test Cricket
The match at Newlands was the 2,522nd Test to be played since England met Australia in Melbourne in 1877. It was also the shortest.PTI
4/9:2. Previous Shortest Test Match
South Africa were also participants in the match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in 1932 that previously held the record as they were dismissed for a combined total of 81 across their two innings.Getty Images
5/9:3. Bridgetown Test in 1935
England secured a four-wicket win over the West Indies in January 1935 in Bridgetown in a slightly bizarre game where both sides made tactical declarations to try and make the most of the bowler-friendly conditions.Agencies
6/9:4. Old Trafford Test in 1888
WG Grace top-scored with 38 as England caught Australia on a sticky track at Old Trafford to claim an innings victory in the 1888 Ashes.Agencies
7/9:5. Lord's Test in 1888
Just six weeks earlier the boot was on the other foot as Australia beat England by 61 runs at Lord's, 27 wickets falling on the second day, which remains a record for most wickets in a single day's Test cricket.Getty Images
8/9:Record-breaking Day 1 in Cape Town
Twenty-three wickets fell on the opening day as South Africa, who elected to bat first, were shot out before lunch for just 55. India were then dismissed for 153, losing their last six wickets for zero runs.PTI
9/9:Aiden Markram' Brilliant Century
The Proteas fared marginally better in the second dig with Aiden Markram scoring a brilliant century. But India knocked off the runs for a seven-wicket win, the match lasting just 107 overs.AFPCenturion defeat a big setback
The batsman emphasized India's strong record in Test cricket over the past 4-5 years and the team's commitment to competing and winning series outside of India.
He acknowledged the defeat in Centurion as a significant setback but commended the team's resilience and determination to excel in Test cricket.
'We were more ready'
"...it was just a mental shift during the turnaround time of one day. We were more ready this time and we were ready for a fight. We wanted to get this win and just do our job really well," Rahul added.
Having faced criticism for their performance in the first Test, India's strong comeback showcased their mental toughness and readiness for a fight, setting the stage for a thrilling series conclusion.
(With inputs from PTI)
