As India’s innings took a dramatic turn from a somewhat stable 153 for 4 to a complete collapse at 153 all out in the Cape Town Test against South Africa, Ravi Shastri’s vivid description of the sudden batting debacle went viral.

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Shastri quipped, “153 for 4 and 153 all out. If someone went around the corner for a dump and has come back, India have been bowled out for 153,” encapsulating the swift and unexpected downfall of the Indian batting lineup in his trademark style.

India suffered a shocking batting collapse, losing six wickets in a mere 11 balls without scoring a single run to their total in a startling turn of events during the second Test in Cape Town. The batting collapse started when Lungi Ngidi dismissed KL Rahul for 9 in the 34th over, with India at 153 for 4. Ngidi then took the wickets of Ravindra Jadeja and Jasprit Bumrah in the remaining five balls of the over, as both Indian batters departed without adding any runs.

Kagiso Rabada compounded India’s woes by taking two more wickets in the following over. Rabada first dismissed the in-form Virat Kohli for 46 on the first ball and then orchestrated Mohammed Siraj’s run-out. Rabada concluded India’s innings by dismissing Prasidh Krishna, inducing an outside edge safely caught by Aiden Markram at slip.

Initially, Kohli and Rahul showed resilience, especially Kohli, who reached 46 with a flurry of boundaries. Despite a slow start, Rahul appeared sturdy. However, challenging pitch conditions with uneven bounce posed significant hurdles for the Indian team.

The collapse followed an unusual sequence of events earlier in the day when South Africa were dismissed for a meager 55 in their first innings. Mohammed Siraj played a pivotal role, showcasing an exceptional bowling performance with a six-wicket haul, while Bumrah and Mukesh Kumar chipped in with two wickets each. Right from the start, the Indian seamers found the perfect line and length, dismantling the home team’s batting lineup in 23.2 overs. This resulted in South Africa registering their lowest Test total since 1932, a decision made after opting to bat. Moreover, it marked the Proteas’ lowest Test score against India.

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