The record for the most victories by an Indian captain in the game’s shortest format in a calendar year was surpassed by Rohit Sharma. Rohit accomplished the feat when India thrashed South Africa in the first T20I in Thiruvananthapuram by an eight-wicket margin. Rohit now has 16 victories in 2022 as India’s captain after the victory. Former captain MS Dhoni recorded 15 victories in 2016.

Arshdeep Singh established the tone of the game between South Africa and India by taking three wickets in the second over and shocking the South African dugout. David Miller, Rilee Rossouw, and Quinton de Kock were all out for golden ducks thanks to the left-arm fast bowler. After 2.3 overs, Deepak Chahar joined the fray and reduced South Africa to 9/5. Wayne Parnell and Aiden Markram attempted to fight back, but their efforts were short-lived as Harshal Patel caught Markram in front for 25 and Axar Patel expelled Parnell for 24.

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Rohit bags another milestone during the t20I with South Africa

South Africa reached 106/8 at the very end because to a battling knock of 41 off 35 by Keshav Maharaj. India’s response saw the early loss of star players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. Kohli walked back after making only three runs, while Rohit was caught behind for a two-ball duck. KL Rahul and Suryakumar Yadav (50* off 33) remained standing on a surface dominated by pace bowlers. Both went on to smash fifty, with Rahul (50* off 56 balls) scoring the slowest half-century for India in T20Is to lead India to victory.

“When you play a game like that you learn a lot. It was nice to play a game like that,” Rohit said after the match. “Both teams were in the contest. We got wickets upfront, and that was the turning point. No matter what the conditions, you still have to execute your plans.” By winning the first game of the three-match series, the Men in Blue enjoy a 1-0 advantage. The next match between the two teams will take place on Sunday, October 2, when they square off.