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Xtra Time Web Desk : India vice-captain and star-opener KL Rahul who bagged player of the match award in the first test match against Proteas for his brilliant knock of 123 runs off 260 balls, effusively praised his bowler teammates who played a pivotal role in steering the team to victory in boxing day test. India breached fort Centurion winning over South Africa by a massive 113 runs. India is also the first Asian country to win at the venue.

One of the reasons behind India's win in test matches is their deadly pace-line up. Mohammad Shami took 5 for 112 in first innings decimating South Africa's batting line-up. The formidable pace-unit is build by Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Mohammad Siraj and Umesh Yadav, all of them have did a commendable job in helping India seal victories in recent times

KL Rahul calls his pacer team mates "competetvive atheletes" and that it's difficult to face them even in net practice.

“Playing them at the nets is more difficult because we don’t enjoy facing them in the nets. Even at the nets, they keep us terrified. They don’t look at us as teammates, they are very, very competitive athletes and players", said the opener.

“We are very lucky to have such quality in our bowling line-up. Two, three people who are at the bench as well. In Umesh and Ishant, we have a great bench strength. It’s a very positive sign for Team India that there are so many quality fast bowlers in the team and on the bench", added Rahul.

The star batter specifically lauded Mohammad Shami for his mega haul of 5 wickets in first innings and 3 wickets in the second innings.

Praising Shami's show of strength Rahul said: “I think, in the last 3-4 years, he has come up with such performances. I don’t think it will be a special year for him in terms of the performances he has put in. I think he has been a really key bowler and a very strong player who has done well for us in all conditions. Hopefully, he can keep getting better and scale new highs in 2022.”