(Image Source: Instagram)
[Saba Sports News] The India-South Africa multi-format series wrapped up on January 4, with India tying the two-match Test series by clinching a seven-wicket win in the second Test at Cape Town. This match also marked South African opener Dean Elgar’s final international game. Post-match, Virat Kohli gifted Elgar a signed Indian jersey, but Elgar wasn’t the only recipient of such a gesture from the former Indian captain.
South African spinner Keshav Maharaj shared a photo on Instagram with Kohli, showcasing an Indian jersey autographed by Kohli. The jersey, inscribed with “To Keshav, With Best Wishes” and Kohli’s signature, delighted Maharaj, who expressed his gratitude in the caption with ‘salute’ and ‘namaste’ emojis.
Maharaj was absent from the first Test in Centurion, where South Africa favored an all-pace attack. He returned for the Cape Town Test, but didn’t bowl due to pace-friendly conditions.
Kohli, who was the top scorer in the 2023 ODI World Cup with 765 runs, took a break from white-ball games against Australia and South Africa but returned for the Tests in South Africa. In challenging conditions, he scored 172 runs across four innings, averaging 43, second only to Elgar in run-scoring for the series.
India’s upcoming schedule includes a three-match T20I series at home against Afghanistan. Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who haven’t played T20 internationals since the 2022 T20 World Cup, are expected to return for this series.