IND vs SA: 5 South Africa players to watch out – South Africa are all geared up to play their first Test series in more than sixth. They would look to continue their prime form after whitewashing West Indies 2-0 in June. Captain Dean Elgar will look to continue Proteas’ rich history against India at home. Follow India Tour of South Africa LIVE updates on InsideSport.IN
The Proteas have beaten India 10 times whereas India registered victories in just 3 wins while 7 matches ended in draws. In fact, SA is yet to lose a Test series against India in their backyard but had to settle for a draw in the 2010-11 series.
There are five South African players who will be looking to dominate India at home. The bowling department is expected to be at its prime with the likes of Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, among others. The batting department is in a spot of bother with Quinton de Kock and Dean Elgar among only positives.
IND vs SA: From Duanne Oliver to Dean Elgar, Five South Africa players to watch out for in the Test series
Ind vs SA: 5 key players who will play in South Africa for first time
Here at InsideSport, we list five South African players who can make a big impact in the upcoming Test series:
Dean Elgar (Captain)
South Africa captain Dean Elgar will look to lead from the front against the visitors. The classic Test batsman has amassed 4347 runs in 69 matches at an impressive average of 39.51. He has also slammed 13 centuries and 17 half-centuries in 120 innings.
He has scored 576 runs against India @33.88 in 19 innings which features 160 at Vishakhapatnam in October 2019. The numbers further improve at home with 207 runs from just 6 innings which includes an unbeaten 86 at Johannesburg in January 2018. In 2021, he has amassed 364 runs at 45.5 in five tests including a ton and couple of fifties.
Quinton de Kock
Quinton de Kock is known for making quick runs regardless of the format. The wicket-keeper batsman has a key role to play in the Test series if SA wants to avoid maiden Test series loss to India at home. With no Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers & Hashim Amla, de Kock will be key along with Temba Bavuma & Rassie van der Dussen.
The left-handed batsman has so far struck 3245 runs in 89 Tests @39.09 which features 6 centuries and 22 fifties. Unfortunately, de Kock has had a dismal record against India — 227 runs from 12 innings at a below-par average of 18.91. His record at home is even dreadful with 71 runs from six innings. What comes as only positive, de Kock had slammed 111 against India at Visakhapatnam in October 2019. In 2021, he has amassed 293 runs in 5 games at a healthy average of 41.85 including a ton & fifty. However, the wicketkeeper-batsman will play only in the first Test.
Kagiso Rabada
South Africa pace battery Kagiso Rabada will lead the bowling department by example. He has been prolific for the hosts with 213 wickets in 17 matches. He has also taken 10 five-wicket hauls. He will look to improve his record against India after managing just 24 wickets in 9 Tests. In South Africa, the records are in his favour with 15 scalps from 3 Tests. This year, He has already taken 16 wickets in 4 Tests. He will be a lethal weapon for Proteas at home.
Rassie van der Dussen
Rassie van der Dussen is yet to play a Test against India. Since his debut in 2019, van der Dussen has impressed everyone with his performance in the longest format. The 32-year-old batter has played 10 Tests to date and has scored 610 runs at an average of 38.12. He has 6 half-centuries in the 10 Tests and the highest score of 98.
In his last red-ball game against West Indies, the Proteas batter scored 125 runs in two games and played a crucial role in South Africa’s series victory over the hosts. He also boasts of decent batting numbers in Home Tests having scored 356 runs from 6 matches. Thus, van der Dussen is expected to play a crucial role in the middle order for the hosts.
Duanne Olivier
South Africa’s Duanne Oliver will make a Test comeback after three years. He has been exceptional for the Proteas with 48 scalps in just 10 Tests which includes three fifers. He is entering into the contest with 28 wickets under his belt in the first-class season. With green grass covering the pitch, Oliver can be a surprise weapon for the hosts as India is yet to face him.
IND vs SA: From Duanne Oliver to Dean Elgar, Five South Africa players to watch out for in the Test series
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