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India would face an acid test in Cape Town when South Africa aims for a farewell victory for Dean Elgar

7 months ago
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After the setback of the Centurion Test, the Indian cricket squad, which arrived from Johannesburg on Sunday, is likely expecting a change of destiny in the new year. The first test was a disaster for India, where the visitors lost by an innings and 32 runs.

The squad arrived with the goal of making history by being the first Indian team to win a series in the most extended format. In recent years, the Indians have transformed into a unit of formidable competitors with impressive victories in countries like England and Australia.

Debacle in the First Test

However, a defeat within three days can still be a significant blow. However, the team possesses sufficient resilience to move over the disappointing Centurion performance and refocus on the next matches in the 2019 World Test Championship cycle. The defeat within three days for the team, which has a star-studded batting lineup and a decent bowling attack, can still be a significant blow to the confidence. However, the present Indian team has enough character to show an impressive comeback.

Rigorous Practice Session 

On Monday, most Indian players engaged in an extensive practice session at the Newlands Cricket Ground. Captain Rohit Sharma, Ravindra Jadeja, and Yashasvi Jaiswal were absent; nonetheless, they had dedicated considerable time to practising in the nets at Centurion following the conclusion of the first test.

Virat Kohli had abstained from that session; however, he was one of the individuals under evaluation throughout the training session held on the pitch, as well as in the practice nets. He exhibited the same level of intensity that he does when he bats during a game.

High Expectations from Virat

The batting machine Virat Kohli is the team’s only batsman with a stellar average of 55.39 against the proteas with 1274 runs. Particularly. Kohli proved his prowess in proteas soil by scoring 833 runs in 16 innings. He scored two centuries and four half-centuries with the highest score of 153 runs, demonstrating his calibre to play long test innings. Kohli’s reputation of encountering the South African pace bowlers in the thunderbolt green pitches in South Africa is exceptional. 

In the recent practice sessions, Virat Kohli confronted the Indian bowlers, notably Jasprit Bumrah and R. Ashwin, along with a left-arm pacer from the local team. He emerged from his position to strike the India off-spinner directly above him. Coach Rahul Dravid, known for his composed demeanour, would expect him to display assertiveness in the upcoming second test.

Also Read: India Vs South Africa – Will India Break the Proteas Fortress?

The conundrum for Rohit Sharma 

In the series decider’s second match, Captain Rohit Sharma would be in chaos selecting the right combination to face the favourite proteas. The top-order batters like Rohit, Gill, Jaiswal and Iyer are not confident about encountering the pace bowlers of South Africa.

When it comes to fast bowling, Rohit might think to include Shardul Thakur, banking on his lower-order batting, axing inexperienced Prasidh Krishna. In this venue, India has lost four games out of six appearances, which is worrisome for Team India. The pitch might assist spinners, and Ravindra Jadeja and Ashwin are likely included in the playing eleven.

How Indian bowlers tackle the strong proteas batting lineup of Elgar, Markram, de Zorzi, Petersen, and Bedingham is crucial in the decider match. Meanwhile, Skipper Rohit struggles to rediscover his form and improve his batting performance. The captain’s call on the playing eleven and strategy to face the formidable Proteas pace attack would be pivotal in Cape Town.

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