4 Indians who made an impressive Test debut against South Africa

#2 Virender Sehwag

Virender Sehwag

The swashbuckling batsman’s game was perfectly suited to the shorter formats. It remains one of cricket’s greatest mysteries that he ended up with a far superior record in Tests.

It all began in Bloemfontein during the first Test of India’s tour of South Africa in 2001, played from November 3-6. India were batting first and after the usual dodgy start, being reduced to 68 for 4, Bloemfontein witnessed the master and pupil show.

It was no secret that Virender Sehwag had modeled his game on Sachin Tendulkar. The duo featured in a dazzling partnership that entertained the crowd no end, in the process of which Sehwag registered a brilliant debut hundred.

Tendulkar and Sehwag lifted India to 288 for 5, with the latter departing after making a memorable 105 from 173 balls - including 19 hits to the fence. Tendulkar himself scored 155.

However, hundreds from Herschelle Gibbs and Lance Klusener and a 10-wicket match haul from skipper Shaun Pollock eased South Africa to a comprehensive 9-wicket triumph.