Former South African captain Faf du Plessis recalled the 2018 Wanderers Test during India’s tour of South Africa, which India won by 63 runs, although the hosts clinched the three-match series 2-1.
The pitch was rated “poor” by the ICC and handed three demerit points. With deliveries frequently striking batters, Virat Kohli urged his teammates to remain composed and avoid reacting, even when hit on the head.
Speaking on the Prakhar Gupta Podcast, Du Plessis reflected on the challenging conditions and praised Kohli’s leadership during the Test.
“I remember a Test match at Wanderers, and the pitch was dangerous, really dangerous. Dean (Elgar) got hit on the head by a length delivery. I thought, ‘Someone could die out here today.’ It felt extremely dangerous because the ball could hit you on the throat, and there was a lot of pace in the wicket,” Faf revealed.
“India were slightly ahead in the game, so what would any captain in a stronger position do? He would say, ‘Let’s continue playing.’ The captain whose team was behind would say, ‘Let’s call off the game.’ The message to the Indian batters was clear: even if you got hit on the glove, hand, head, or throat, don’t show any reaction because the game might get called off,” he added.
“They were hit many times. However, there was a toughness instilled by the way he played the game. We always talk about leaders who lead from the front. Your actions are far more powerful than your words,” he concluded.
