Team India clinched a historic victory against South Africa in the second and final Test at Newlands Stadium, Cape Town, on Thursday, January 4. This achievement marked India’s inaugural win at the venue and set a new record for the shortest Test match in cricket history, lasting only 642 balls.

The touring team made strategic changes to their playing XI for the second Test, bringing in Ravindra Jadeja for Ravichandran Ashwin and Mukesh Kumar for Shardul Thakur. Despite Ashwin not playing??, he managed to provide fans with entertainment ?off the field.

Ravichandran Ashwin’s off-field entertainment with Makhaya Ntini

In a viral video on X (formerly Twitter), Ashwin can be seen in a light-hearted conversation with former South African pacer Makhaya Ntini, who was part of the broadcasting team for Super??Sport. Ashwin, jokingly, asked Ntini to say something for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) fans.

Ntini’s unexpected response left Ashwin rolling in laughter as Ntini sang the famous Bollywood song.

“That’s for the CSK fans you can say hello to them,” said Ashwin to Ntini.

Also WATCH: Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill’s playful dance adds fun element to historic Ind??ia win in Cape Town Test �SA vs IND 2023-24

In response, Ntini starts singing the famous Bollywood song,“Kabhi Kabhi Mere DIl me Khayal Aata Hai”. The way Ntini?? sang the song, cracke??d up Ashwin as he couldn’t control his laughter.

Here is the video:

This was sooo funny!! 😂😂 How many of you enjoyed this sweet little cameo by Makhaya Ntini? 😂@ashwinravi99 pic.twitter.com/bKX5WdLqca

— Crikipidea (@crikipidea) January 6, 2024

Ashwin in race for ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year 2023

In other news, Ashwin finds himself in the race for the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year award for 2023. The Chennai-born spinner is the sole Indian cricketer among the four nominees, with the list primarily dominated by Australian stars who secured victory in the ICC World Test Championship Final in 2023. Apart from Ashwin, Usman Khawaja, Travis Head and Joe Root are in the list.

Ashwin’s exceptional performance in 2023 includes picking up 41 wickets from seven Test matches, with a standout performance in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, where he claimed 35 wickets from four matches. This marks Ashwin’s third nomination for the prestigious award, having previously won it in 2016.

Also READ: To??p 4?? nominees for ICC Test cricketer of the year 2023

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Former South African pacer Makhaya Ntini raised concerns about Kagiso Rabada‘s chances of reaching the 400-test wicket mark, despite the bowler’s outstanding performance in the ongoing Centurion Test against India. Rabada, showcasing his prowess, picked 5/44 in 20 overs, playing a pivotal role in restricting the visitors to 245/10. This performance also marked Rabada’s 14th five-wicket haul in Tests, a testament to his exceptional skill.

Kagiso Rabada joins the elite 500 international wickets club

With this feat, Rabada has now joined the esteemed group of bowlers with 500 or more international wickets. He becomes the seventh South African bowler to achieve this milestone. The other Proteas bowlers on this distinguished list include Shaun Pollock (823), Dale Steyn (697), Makhaya Ntini (661), Allan Donald (602), Jacques Kallis (572) and Morne Morkel (535). Among these names, Ntini,?? one of the seven, has also commended Rabada as one of the greats in Proteas cricket.

Also READ: SA vs IND [Twitter reactions]: KL Rahul’s fifty provides I?ndia a hope after Kagiso Rabada’s fifer on Day 1 of Boxing Day Te??st

Makhaya Ntini express doubts over Rabada’s 400-Test wicket mark

While praising the South African speedster, Ntini also expressed skepticism about Rabada surpassing the 400-test wicket mark. He attributed this uncertainty to the limited number of Test matches South Africa plays in a year. Ra?bada, currently?? playing his 61st Test, has 285 wickets at an impressive average of 22.10 in the format.

“He is already up there (among greats). When you talk about those guys, when you talk about those bowlers, they have passed the 400-mark and KG (Rabada) is chasing the 300-mark. But we have got a massive problem. You are playing two Test matches a year and what is that? Do you think this guy (Rabada) can hold up till he gets to that milestone,” Ntini was quoted as saying by PTI.

Also READ: Australian veteran opener D?avid Warner identifies potential successor fo?r his Test spot

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The highly anticipated Boxing-Day Test between South Africa and India commenced on December 26 at the Supersport Park?? in Centurion. The?? Proteas, winning the toss, elected to bowl first, a decision that proved fruitful as the South African pace battery took control of the opening day proceedings.

Kagiso Rabada sets the tone

Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada emerged as the star of the day, leading the South African pace attack with a remarkable 5-wicket haul. Rabada’s brilliance was evident as he claimed five crucial wickets for 44 runs, including the prized scalps of Virat Kohli (38) and Rohit Sharma (5).

Despite the Proteas’ dominance, Indian batter KL Rahul emerged as the shining?? light for the visitors. Ending the opening day at 208/8, Rahul remained unbeaten at 70, showcasing resilience and skill with 10 fours and 2 sixes.

Makhaya Ntini picks a key player of Team India

Considering the performance of South African pacers and the prevailing pitch conditions, it is reasonable for fans to anticipate a strong showing from the Indian fast bowlers. Discussing one of the standout Indian pacers, Makhaya Ntini, the South African cricket legend, provided insights into a player whose skill has become integral to Team India’s foundation.

Ntini named Jasprit Bumrah as the biggest key player for India. Delving into the mechanics of Bumrah’s bowling, Ntini highlighted how the ball’s trajectory is meticulously crafted, generating angles that confound batters. His astute observations focus on a seemingly inconspicuous detail—the release point. Notably, the mastery behind Bumrah’s release becomes a crucial element in understanding the unique skill set that sets him apart.

“Look where Bumrah releases the ball. He releases the ball from the top of his head. So, he gets the angle to bring the ball back in. He can get deliveries to straighten after pitching,” Ntini told PTI.

Also READ: SA vs IND [Twitter reactions] – KL Rahul’s fifty provides India a hope after Kagiso Rabada’s fifer on Day 1 of Boxing Day Test

The magic of Yorkers

What captured Ntini’s admiration is not just Bumrah’s skill but the unwavering consistency in his approach. Bumrah’s bowling action remains a constant, a rhythm that defines reliability, and a precision that leaves spectators in awe. This silent dynamo’s consistent performance becomes a source of both stability and unpredictability, a rare combination in the world of cricket.

Ntini reckoned that among the arsenal of skills possessed by Bumrah, the art of executing yorkers stands out. He ??underlined that these deliveries are not sporadic moments of brilliance but a consistent feature.

“I don’t know if he has powerful wrists and action is always the same, that’s how beautiful it is. His yorkers, he doesn’t miss any, those are the things everyone gets to enjoy. India isn’t the team without Bumrah,” added Ntini.

Also WATCH: Kagiso Raba?da’s delusional delivery sends Virat Kohli packing �SA vs IND 2023-24, 1st Test

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