India in South Africa: Twitter roasts Rohit Sharma after his 59-ball 11 in Newlands Test

Rohit had a chance to silence his critics, some of whom even call him a 'flat-track bully', by scoring on a seaming overseas track against SA in Newlands. But it didn't happen.

File photo of Rohit Sharma (IANS)

New Delhi: When India preferred Rohit Sharma over Ajinkya Rahane in the playing eleven for the first Test against South Africa at Newlands, the thinktank of Virat Kohli and coach Ravi Shastri was criticised a lot. But Rohit had a chance to silence his critics, some of whom even call him a 'flat-track bully', by scoring on a seaming overseas track against one of the best bowling attacks. But it didn't happen. 

After a struggle on the second morning of the Test on Saturday, Rohit was snapped lbw by Kagiso Rabada for a 59-ball 11, and it unleashed Rohit's critics on Twitter, who trolled him for the forgettable knock.

Rohit Sharma's batting today. #SAvInd pic.twitter.com/BQmYSvJU6D — Bollywood Gandu (@BollywoodGandu) January 6, 2018

If Rohit Sharma can survive this spell from Dale Steyn, it'll be a bigger achievement for him than hitting 200 in ODI. — EngiNerd. (@mainbhiengineer) January 6, 2018

Surviving pace bowling for an hour. I think Rohit Sharma is the best night watchman India has produced in three decades. #IndvsSA — one tip one hand_ (@OneTipOneHand_) January 6, 2018

Rohit Sharma is Indian version of Shane Watson when it comes to reviewing a plumb Lbw decision#INDvSA #SAvsInd #IndvsSA #SAVIND — Encrypted Layman!! (@FreddieFaizan) January 6, 2018

Rohit sharma can only score 200,100 s on Indian flat featherbeds..Walking wicket in seeming conditions #flat_track_bully #SAvIND

— Hasitha Jayawardene (@Hasitha71) January 6, 2018

Exclusive pic of Rohit Sharma offering pads against express fast bowlers #SAvIND #INDvSA #FreedomSeries pic.twitter.com/9qkcJPg912 — Rahul (@clickator7) January 6, 2018

Rohit Sharma faced 50 balls against Steyn, Morkel, Rabada & Philander. We have seen everything.#INDvSA

— Sunil- The Cricketer (@1sInto2s) January 6, 2018

But to Rohit's defence, none of the Indian top order of Shikhar Dhawan (16), Murali Vijay (1) and Virat Kohli (5) could stand against the pace and bounce of Dale Steyn & Co, who removed the above three on Friday, followed by the early wicket of Rohit on Saturday.

Rohit scratched around for a while against Steyn, Morne Morkel, Vernon Philander and Rabada, but was finally trapped by a delivery that angled in sharply catching him dead in front of the stumps. However, he went on to review the decision but it proved futile.