As India get ready to face South Africa in a two-match Test series starting on 14 October in Kolkata, followed by the second Test on 22 November in Guwahati, memories of their previous encounter in 2019 still stand tall. That series was a one-sided affair where India completely dominated and handed South Africa a 3-0 whitewash on home soil. The 2019 series was also a turning point in Rohit Sharma’s Test career. It was the first time he opened the innings in Test cricket, and he made an immediate impact. In the opening Test at Visakhapatnam, India piled up 502 for 7, with Mayank Agarwal scoring a double century (215) and Rohit smashing 176. South Africa put up a fight with 431 runs, thanks to centuries from Dean Elgar and Quinton de Kock. Rohit struck another hundred in the second innings as India set up a huge lead and eventually won by 203 runs. He was named Player of the Match.
In the second Test, India once again batted first and posted a massive 601 for 5. Virat Kohli was the star with an unbeaten 254, while Mayank Agarwal, Pujara, Rahane, and Jadeja contributed with valuable runs. South Africa crumbled for 275 and 189 in their two innings as India won by an innings and 137 runs. Kohli was adjudged Player of the Match. The final Test saw India continue their dominance. Rohit Sharma scored a double century (212) and Ajinkya Rahane added 115 to take India to 487 for 9. South Africa were dismissed for 162 and 133, handing India victory by an innings and 202 runs. Rohit was once again named Player of the Match and also the Player of the Series. That 2019 whitewash remains one of India’s most commanding home performances and marked the rise of Rohit Sharma as a prolific Test opener.
