Johannesburg, Jan 4 : Shardul Thakur Today  displayed his terrific form as the India pacer recorded his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket. In total, he returned with 7/61 on Day 2 of the ongoing second Test which helped India bundle out South Africa for 229.

The 30-year-old now holds the record for best innings figures among the Indian bowlers in South Africa, surpassing former cricketer Harbhajan Singh, who registered 7/120 in a drawn Test in Cape Town in 2011.

Best innings figures for India in South Africa:

Shardul Thakur (7/61) at Johannesburg, 2021-22

Harbhajan Singh (7/120) at Cape Town, 2010-11

Anil Kumble (6/53) at Johannesburg, 1992-93

Javagal Srinath (6/76) at Port Elizabeth, 2001-02

Ravindra Jadeja (6/138) at Durban, 2013-14

Harbhajan took to Twitter to heap praises on Shardul, saying, “Kyaaaaaa Baat hai thaaaakuuuurrrr @imshard well done.. So happy to see you performing like a champion.. 7wickets haul.”

Former India cricketer VVS Laxman said, “Lion-hearted display by Shardul Thakur. Best figures by an Indian against South Africa, thoroughly deserved his seven wickets for persistence and intelligence. Has single-handedly brought India back into the second Test. Over to the batters now.”

“Congratulations to @imShard on picking up 7 wickets with his steady bowling and variations. Good support by the others,” tweeted Sachin Tendulkar.(UNI)