India whitewashed South Africa in a three-match Test series at home five years back on this day (October 22). The hosts won the third match by an innings and 202 runs at the JSCA International Stadium Complex in Ranchi. It also led India to emerge victorious in 11 Test series in a row on home soil.
With Virat Kohli handling the leadership duties back then, India notched a 203-run win in the first Test before winning the second fixture by an innings and 137 runs. Team India were keen to replicate the success in the last Test to complete their first-ever whitewash against South Africa.
India batted first in Ranchi and produced a mammoth total of 497 in the first innings. Rohit Sharma spearheaded the innings with a superb double hundred. He scored 212 runs off 255 balls and his knock comprised 28 boundaries and six maximums.
Another standout performer was Ajinkya Rahane, who was unable to demonstrate his A-game in the first two Tests. He arrived at the crease at number five, following the dismissal of Virat Kohli. He joined hands with Rohit and went on to stitch a partnership of 267 runs. Rahane contributed 115 runs, hitting 17 fours and one six.
Ravindra Jadeja scored a composed half-century down the order while Umesh Yadav chipped in with a blazing 31-run cameo, featuring five sixes. India chose to declare on the second day of the match. South Africa made a disastrous start to their first innings, losing two wickets at a score of eight.
Zubayr Hamza who came in at number three, made some efforts and scored 62 off 79 deliveries. Among the other South African batters, only Temba Bavuma and George Linde managed to score in double digits. The Indian pacers stole the show in Ranchi. Umesh Yadav scripted a three-wicket haul while Mohammad Shami and Shahbaz Nadeem each picked two.
South Africa were asked to follow on after they finished their first innings with 162 runs. India’s fast-bowling unit once again appeared in sublime form. This time, Mohammad Shami picked up three wickets while Umesh Yadav and Shahbaz Nadeem each dismissed two opposition players.
No Proteas batter was able to breach the fifty-run mark in the second innings. The visitors were bowled out for 133 and the match ended on the fourth day. Rohit Sharma was named the Player of the Match for his double-century that gave India a perfect start in Ranchi.
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