The Indian team has landed in South Africa and is gearing up for the first test against South Africa in Cape Town, which begins on the 5th of January.
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India have been absolutely relentless in home conditions, running over all teams that have visited the sub-continent over the past two years, but these overseas tours are where Virat Kohli and co. will face their sternest challenge.
India, though, boast of a very strong team, and with almost all bases covered, it seems like the Indian team can pose quite a stiff challenge for the Proteas, even in their own den.
Indian players do realise that they’ll have to play out of their skins in order to topple the Proteas, more so because of the superior bowling line up that South Africa possess.
Rohit Sharma who led the side to series wins in ODIs and in T20Is in Virat Kohli’s absence said that South Africa’s bowling attack is the most threatening one in the world.
“Their bowling attack is the most challenging [one] in the world right now. Any home team tends to put a lot of pressure on the touring side,” Rohit echoed.
South Africa bowlers are known for their knack of moving the ball both ways at a brisk pace. The tracks in South Africa will further aid them.
It will be [Kagiso] Rabada, [Dale] Steyn, and one between [Vernon] Philander and [Morne] Morkel. They might also play an all-rounder like Chris Morris,” Rohit Sharma told Hindustan Times.
Steyn too will be marking his return in the Test arena with this series and Rohit Sharma realises his threat as well.
“Steyn had a shoulder surgery, he is playing after almost an year… that is a long lay-off. (But) with his experience, I do not think there will be a problem.
Obviously, all eyes will be on him and de Villiers as they have not played much of late,” Rohit Sharma concluded.
India too boast of a very strong and potent bowling line-up, with the likes of Shami, Umesh, Ishant, Bhuvi and Bumrah, more than capable of exploiting the South African conditions.
