Indian skipper Rohit Sharma expressed satisfaction with his team's remarkable seven-wicket victory over South Africa in the second Test at Newlands, emphasising their capability to excel in diverse conditions worldwide.
After a setback with an innings defeat in the first Test, India bounced back strongly to level the two-match series.
They successfully chased down a target of 79 just an hour after lunch on the second day, overcoming Aiden Markram's outstanding century for South Africa.
The pivotal role in India's triumph was played by Mohammed Siraj, named the man of the match, who took six wickets for 15 runs in the first innings as South Africa collapsed for 55 before lunch on day one.
Despite challenging conditions for batsmen with pace, seam movement, and uneven bounce on the pitch, Sharma highlighted the importance of their hundred-run lead in the first inning.
"Even though the conditions were tough for the batters, the bowlers still had to get the ball in the right areas," Sharma remarked, emphasising the team's resilience.
"We batted well to get a hundred-run lead. We knew it was going to be a short match, and every run mattered. To get that lead was very important for us."
Sharma praised India's ability to perform under diverse conditions, asserting, "For us to come out here and win like this gives us a lot of confidence that we can perform under any conditions."
South Africa's stand-in captain, Dean Elgar, acknowledged the team's misjudgment in opting to bat first after winning the toss, considering the challenging conditions.
He credited India for bringing intensity and utilising the conditions effectively, particularly in the first innings.
The match featured an enthralling battle between Aiden Markram and Jasprit Bumrah, with Markram scoring a remarkable century.
However, Bumrah's six-wicket haul, along with missed opportunities in the field, ultimately led to Markram's dismissal.
Markram's defiance on a challenging pitch showcased his exceptional batting skills, with the next-highest individual score by any player in the match being Virat Kohli's 46 in India's first inning.
The victory at Newlands showcased India's resilience and adaptability, instilling confidence in the team as they look forward to future challenges on the international stage.
