IND vs SA: Ravi Shastri says India favourite to win – After falling short in 2018, former head coach Ravi Shastri did not have the chance to take revenge after stepping down from the role. But behind the microphone, he believes his wards Virat Kohli & Co will be able to win their maiden Test series in South Africa this time. Follow India vs South Africa Test series Live Updates on InsideSport.IN.
However, he has warned that despite struggling on home soil, South Africa will not be pushovers. Even though they will be without Anrich Nortje for the entire series and Quinton de Kock for the last two Tests, they could still beat India on home soil.
IND vs SA: Former coach Ravi Shastri backs Virat Kohli & Co to create history in South Africa but warns ‘Proteas are no pushovers on own turf’
“There couldn’t have been a better time for Team India to prove their mettle. Virat (Kohli) has been an impeccable leader and has got a talented team to go along with it,” Ravi Shastri said while speaking to ‘Star Sports’ about the upcoming series that also features three ODIs in January.
Which players would you pick in India’s XI for the Boxing Day clash against South Africa?#SAvIND | #WTC23 pic.twitter.com/tWoBgb749i
— ICC (@ICC) December 23, 2021
Ravi Shastri said Virat Kohli-led Indian team has got the firepower to upstage them in the three-match Test series that starts on Sunday. Shastri, whose tenure ended recently at the end of India’s campaign in the T20 World Cup, also said that he will always back the Men in Blue.
IND vs SA: Former coach Ravi Shastri backs Virat Kohli & Co to create history in South Africa but warns ‘Proteas are no pushovers on own turf’
Seeking their 𝒇𝒊𝒓𝒔𝒕-ever test series win in 🇿🇦, #TeamIndia is ready to quench their #FirstKaThirst against the Proteas! 🥳
Are you ready to #BelieveInBlue?
1st #SAvIND Test | Dec 26, Broadcast starts: 12:30 PM; Match starts: 1:30 PM | Star Sports & Disney+Hotstar pic.twitter.com/KQNkxjegb8
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 23, 2021
“South Africa remains an unconquered bastion. Remember, the Proteas are no pushovers in their own backyard, but we have got the firepower and the arsenal to match that. As always, Team India will always have my backing,” added the former India and Mumbai all-rounder.
The first Test will be held at the SuperSport Park in Centurion. The second and the third Test will be played at Johannesburg and Cape Town respectively followed by a three-match ODI series.
IND vs SA: Former coach Ravi Shastri backs Virat Kohli & Co to create history in South Africa but warns ‘Proteas are no pushovers on own turf’
In 1992, India played its first-ever Test match against South Africa in Durban, while under Rahul Dravid, who succeeded Shastri as the new head coach recently, the team won its first Test in 2006.
The 59-year-old Shastri featured in ‘Firstka Thirst’ promo ahead of the series, which is being aired on the channel.
IND vs SA: Former coach Ravi Shastri backs Virat Kohli & Co to create history in South Africa but warns ‘Proteas are no pushovers on own turf’
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