India have had a fantastic year in Tests. If not for the disappointment of losing the WTC finals, they have had a near-perfect year. It started with a historic consecutive series win in Australia. The less fancied, unproven, young Indian team went on to shock the Aussies in their den. Here are 5 Key Indians Players For The SA Series.
India smashed England at home (3-1) before going to gain an unassailable lead on the away tour. They lead England 2-1 with a Test match to play. India convincingly outplayed WTC champions New Zealand to claim back the number 1 spot in whites.
The final frontier:
If there remains a final frontier for this team then it has to be South Africa. India are yet to win a series in South Africa. They came close the last time but their inexperience cost them. India will be eager to create history this time around. They have the skillset, they have shown great temperament, it is about crossing that final hurdle now. India will bank on a few of its key players to deliver in this big series.
We look at 5 Key Indians Players For The SA Series
#5 Mohammad Siraj
Mohammad Siraj put on a grand show with the ball in the recently concluded Mumbai Test. His opening burst with the new ball reduced kiwis to tatters. New Zealand could never really recover post the opening salvo. Siraj has already proven to be a match-winner in his short international career up until this point. He will be itching to make a statement in South Africa too.
#4 Shardul Thakur
Shardul Thakur has emerged as one of India’s unlikely heroes in the longest format. India are yet to lose a Test match featuring Thakur in the side. He gave a glimpse of his talent in India’s historic win at the Gabba. Thakur then played a vital hand in India’s win over England at the oval.
There is a lot of speculation surrounding Ravindra Jadeja’s fitness. If Jadeja is deemed unfit, Thakur is a certainty in the playing XI. He brings the all-round ability that India so dearly needs on an overseas tour.
#3 Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli is the only Indian batsman in the current squad who has centuries against the Proteas in South Africa. He scored a century on both times he visited African shores. Kohli needs a big score under his belt soon. He has gone without scoring a century in the last 2 years. India will look towards its skipper for him to deliver in arguably the most challenging conditions. Kohli will certainly be up for the tussle.
#2 Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah is India’s fastest pacer to pick 100 Test wickets. It was here in South Africa that Bumrah made his Test debut almost 4 years ago. He is the only Asian pacer to have picked 5-wicket hauls in South Africa, England, West Indies, and Australia. Bumrah is not just the leader of the Indian attack but arguably one of the finest Test bowlers at this moment. He will be crucial to India’s plans for this series.
#1 Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma will be on his third sojourn to South Africa. But Sharma unlike Kohli hasn’t tasted success in these conditions. In fact, Sharma has found the goings most difficult here. It is not the pace that has troubled Sharma but seam movement that has found him wanting.
Sharma though has turned a huge corner the moment he was asked to open (even) in Test cricket. He showcased his class in tough English conditions earlier this year. His century at the Oval was the culmination of all the hard work he has put in all these years. Sharma and India will love an encore in South Africa too.
Also read: Want To Thank BCCI For Confirming Their Tour To SA, Tweets Behardien
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