IND vs SA Test: In 29 years’ history of touring South Africa, Team India, for the first time, are the overwhelmingly favourite to win the Test series. Virat Kohli & Co have one of the best fast bowling attacks in the world and the young batsmen have started delivering. But on lively South Africa pitches, it won’t be easy for Team India and there will be roadblocks in Anrich Nortje, Rassie van der Dussen, Kagiso Rabada amongst others. Follow India Tour of South Africa live updates on InsideSport.IN
South Africa are a team in transition with the likes of AB de Villiers, Faf du Plessis, Hashim Amla, Dale Steyn, among others leaving the team due to various reasons. The replacements haven’t had the brightest of the starts and that is what India can exploit. However, their star fast bowlers could be the key.
IND vs SA Test: From Anrich Nortje to Kagiso Rabada, 5 biggest roadblocks for Virat Kohli & Co in pursuit of maiden Test series victory on SA soil
Kagiso Rabada: South Africa pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada has been fantastic across all the formats. He has taken 213 wickets in just 47 Tests. The right-arm pacer will produce a big challenge to Indian lads after the experience of rubbing the shoulders in IPL. He has taken 24 wickets in just 9 Tests against India and will lead the Proteas bowling lineup from the front.
Anrich Nortje: The leader of the South African pace battery currently, Anrich Nortje has rattled batsmen with his express speed. In the last five Tests, he has scalped 25 wickets and that says a lot about his quality. On fast and bouncy tracks, it will be a big challenge for Indian openers. But for the middle-order that has been struggling for the last three-four series will also be under pressure. The likes of Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane will be under pressure to perform while youngster Shreyas Iyer may also find it difficult to contain.
IND vs SA Test: From Anrich Nortje to Kagiso Rabada, 5 biggest roadblocks for Virat Kohli & Co in pursuit of maiden Test series victory on SA soil
Rassie van der Dussen: With Quinton de Kock only available for the first Test, a lot of responsibility will be on Rassie van der Dussen. He has been in good form and has the quality to change the game. He has already shown that in the limited-overs cricket and the India series will be a test for his red-ball skills. Against India on home soil, it will be a perfect opportunity for him to bounce back.
Duanne Olivier: Back from his Kolpak deal, Duanne Olivier has been in impressive form. In the now-suspended 4-day domestic tournament, he was the highest wicket-taker with 28 scalps. His impressive form has earned him a call-up once again and could be an important member of the pace attack. That Indian batters have never faced him could be an advantage for Olivier.
#4DaySeries@LionsCricketSA seamer Duanne Olivier ends the year as the competition’s leading wicket-taker 💪 #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/zZueAxHGpr
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) December 19, 2021
IND vs SA Test: From Anrich Nortje to Kagiso Rabada, 5 biggest roadblocks for Virat Kohli & Co in pursuit of maiden Test series victory on SA soil
Dean Elgar: In the absence of Quinton de Kock in the second and third Test, Dean Elgar will have to play a crucial role not just with his batting but also as the leader. He hasn’t been consistent and that could be in India’s favour but on home soil, he is aiming to get his rhythm back. With Rassie van der Dussen and Aiden Markram with him, Elgar can be a big roadblock for India’s maiden Test series win.
South Africa Squad: Dean Elgar (capt), Aiden Markram, Keegan Petersen, Rassie van der Dussen, Temba Bavuma, Wiaan Mulder, Quinton de Kock, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Duanne Olivier, Sarel Erwee, Beuran Hendricks, George Linde, Marco Jansen, Glenton Stuurman, Kyle Verreynne, Lungi Ngidi, Prenelan Subrayen, Sisanda Magala, Ryan Rickelton.
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