Former South African pacer Allan Donald is the latest name, who expressed their shock over Ajinkya Rahane’s omission from the first Test between South Africa and India at Cape Town, where visitors faced a 72-run defeat in a close-fought encounter.

If played, Rahane would have been the difference between victory and defeat. Donald labeled this as a harsh call and threw his weight behind Indian middle-order batsman. He feels Rahane can bring the stability in the Indian batting order.

“I really think it’s harsh to keep Rahane out. Last time he was here he had a great tour. I think for me, Rahane is the man who can steady the ship. He is a rock-solid guy and a good head on his shoulders,” said Donald.

“South Africans see Rahane sitting on the bench and carrying drinks and they would say ‘wow’. They would rather have that, you know. He’s an absolutely world-class player.”

On the other hand, the White Lightning has been impressed by India’s fast bowling, who kept the visitors in the match despite poor batting show.

Donald praised them and quoted to Hindustan Times “I think it’s an amazing bowling lineup. They have passion, control, they are very aggressive and that was a spirited bowling performance. That positivity can be taken to the next Test match. Yes, they are different in pace but they have a lot of skill. South Africa’s bowling attack is based on pace with the exception of Philander while the Indian bowling attack has got incredible variety.”

The second Test of this three-match series will undergo in Centurion from January 13. It will be a do or die clash for India, who is already 1-0 down in the series.