BCCI

He also hoped that the second as well as the third Test will give a chance to the batters to step up and convert a good start into a big knock. India, 1-0 up in the three-match series, will be looking to seal the series in the second Test.

The young man doesn't want to change anything and stick to the same "process" in his cricketing journey in 2022. An MBA in Finance, Iyer - is a big fan of Rajinikanth, admirer of Alastair Cook and his favourite batter is Sourav Ganguly. Notably, they all are left handers and Venkatesh's liking is quite understandable, since the 27-year-old stylish all-rounder, too, is a southpaw.

India have got all the right reasons to be confident of taking an unassailable lead in the three-match series after breaching Fortress Centurion. For starters, the 'Bullring' in Johannesburg has been a 'citadel' to the touring Indians in South Africa. In five Test matches, India have won twice and drawn thrice, having never lost to South Africa.

The BCCI recently announced the India squad for the ODI series against the Proteas, naming KL Rahul as the skipper of the 18-member side, with newly-appointed skipper Rohit Sharma unavailable due to injury. Rahul, who is currently the vice-captain of the Test team in South Africa, will lead the ODI team in absence of Rohit, while Bumrah will be his deputy.

In a letter to the affiliated units of BCCI, the Indian cricket board's secretary Jay Shah said that the domestic cricket had started off well, with the completion of 748 matches till date, however, the sudden spike in cases has forced the board to postpone its junior tournament. On Thursday, India reported 13,154 new COVID-19 cases, the number of active cases stands at 82,402.

India registered a comprehensive 113-run win over South Africa in the first Test to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. It was also India's first-ever Test victory at the Centurion, which is largely considered to be a fortress for South Africa. Former India captain said that South Africa will have to play out of their skins to beat this Virat Kohli-led Test team in the ongoing series.

The pacer got to the feat on Day 4 of the first Test between South Africa and India at the SuperSport Park in Centurion. Van der Dussen became Bumrah's 100th Test victim in overseas conditions. The 28-year-old now has 105 wickets, out of which 101 have come away from home.

After bowling out South Africa for 197 in their first innings, India -- who scored 327 in their first innings -- lost the wicket of Mayank Agarwal (4) in the sixth over of their second innings. However, KL Rahul (5 not out) and nightwatchman Shardul Thakur (4 not out) denied Proteas any other wicket at the end of play on Day 3.

According to reports, Ganguly had mild fever on Sunday (December 26), and got the positive report on Monday evening (December 27). Ganguly, who had undergone treatment for a heart condition earlier this year, was admitted to Woodlands Hospital soon after his COVID-positive report came in. Family sources were quoted as saying that the hospitalisation was a precautionary measure and there was no cause for alarm.

Rohit was named India's limited-overs captain ahead of the start of the South Africa tour earlier this month. He was also appointed vice-captain of the Test side. However, he got injured (hamstring injury) during the training session in Mumbai and was later ruled out of the Test series against Proteas.