India vs South Africa 1st Test: Debutant Nandre Burger Rattles India’s Top Order

New Rajasthan Royals' recruit Nandre Burger delivered in the red-ball format as his antics rattled India in the first Test.

Nandre Burger performed well in the first session of the first Test match

Source : Getty Images

India encountered a turbulent start, finding themselves at 23-3 against South Africa on the first day of the Boxing Day Test at Centurion's SuperSport Park. South Africa's Temba Bavuma won the toss and chose to bowl first, sending Rohit Sharma's Indian side in to bat first.

Making his debut, South Africa's Nandre Burger swiftly dismantled India's top order by dismissing opener Yashasvi Jaiswal and No. 3 batsman Shubman Gill in quick succession. Burger's aggressive strategy, delivering full balls and making the Indian batsmen play drives, proved effective as Jaiswal departed for 17, caught behind. Notably, Nandre Burger was signed by the Rajasthan Royals for Rs 50 lakh at the Indian Premier League 2024 Auction on December 19.

Burger's Rajasthan Royals teammate, Jaiswal, attempted a drive but ended up edging the ball to Kyle Verreynne behind the stumps. Burger's celebrations were exuberant, understandably thrilled with his impactful debut. Captain Rohit Sharma's innings was short-lived as well, managing just 5 runs while attempting a grounded pull shot, finding the fine leg fielder instead of aiming for a boundary.

Shubman Gill appeared like a fish out of water at No.3 and departed after being caught down the leg-side. Initially ruled not out by the umpire, South Africa claimed their third wicket within the first hour of play after Temba Bavuma opted for a review. 

The IPL franchise Rajasthan Royals took to social media to reference the clash between Virat Kohli and Nandre Burger during the match. The franchise creatively shared an edited image depicting "Burger vs King," using wordplay to highlight the anticipated encounter between Nandre Burger and Virat Kohli.

#SAvIND 👀 pic.twitter.com/48KcNkqfzz

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) December 26, 2023

Coming to the match, Burger was on the verge of claiming his third wicket, that of India's mainstay Virat Kohli, had Toni de Zorzi managed to hold onto a seemingly straightforward catch at square leg. Both Shreyas Iyer and Virat Kohli received a reprieve as South African fielders dropped catches, granting them second chances.