Five focal points of Test series between India, South Africa
Five focal points of Test series between India, South Africa
1/5
Two senior players in the South African squad - AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis - have been in outstanding form since the much-anticipated tour of India has started. Both successfully led the ODIs and T20s sides to help Saffers pocket both the series. Now the question is, whether they can carry forward their limited-overs form into Tests. Considering Amla's rough patch and comparatively having an inexperienced batting unit in five-day format, it's imperative for AB and Faf to deliver the goods at crucial junctions throughout the series.
2/5
Spinners are going to play a crucial role in the four-match series. Team India, being the home side, at some point might have asked curators to prepare rank turners for entire series. Knowing the fact that Saffers are not very good players of spin bowling, India would like to create more pressure on them by playing three spinners in their playing XI. If Ravichandran Ashwin and Amit Mishra are India's first choice tweakers, then South Africa too have talented Imran Tahir at their disposal. Even though both teams have handful of spinners in their respective squads, a lot depends on the role of offie Ashwin in the series.
3/5
Indian skipper Virat Kohli will lead India in a Test series at home for the first time. After winning his first away series in Sri Lanka, he would be brimming with confidence. However, he would be aware of the fact that Proteas are probably the best touring side since past a decade or so and haven't lost an away series since 2007. In fact, after beating India in the limited-overs formats, visitors would be high on confidence. Now only time will tell whether Kohli & Co can carry on with their winning momentum or Saffers will continue their outstanding form away from home.
4/5
Even after winning their last Test series in Sri Lanka, there is still a lot of uncertainty as far as Indian batting line-up is concerned. Barring the openers, Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay, no other batsman is sure of his batting position. In fact, Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara and KL Rahul, are not even sure of their place in the side, as only two can be picked if team think-tank decides to back their 'five-bowler strategy'. Such a confusion, at times, demoralises a player and hampers his confidence.
5/5
