After patiently waiting for seven days in the tournament, the Indian cricket team finally started their campaign at the ICC World Cup against South Africa in Southampton on 5th June. While the Indian fans were forced to wait to see their team in action, the late start for 'Men in Blue' at the ICC spectacle also meant that they had enough time to prepare - something that was in full display at the Rose Bowl stadium.
Losing the toss, the Indian team found themselves bowling against the South African batting line-up, focussed on piling up a big score in a bid to record their first win in three games. But, it wasn't meant to be - thanks to a spectacular bowling performance by India.
With Jasprit Bumrah getting his angles and seam movement to trouble the South African openers early on, everyone knew that a wicket was around the corner. While many suspected Quinton de Kock to became the first victim, it was Hashim Amla who eventually turned out to be the first scalp for Bumrah.
In the fourth over, Bumrah's good length delivery, pitched just outside off, forced Amla to defend from the crease - a mistake that was eventually going to cost South Africa their first wicket. Deploying his defensive push, Amla couldn't help but edge the ball through towards the second slip where anxious Rohit Sharma got down just in time to grab it cleanly.
It was a beautifully set-up dismissal where the bowler's line and length combined perfectly with the field setting, deployed in anticipation of the opposition batsman's shot. If Bumrah's early breakthrough got the Indian fans on the edge of their seats, Rohit's unique celebration after taking the catch doubled the fun on social media.
The Indian opener, positioned at second slip, completed the catch and was seen unveiling an impromptu 'break dance' celebration to the sheer joy of the fans in the stands and back home.
