Team India has arrived in South Africa for 3 Tests and 3 ODIs, and hopes are extremely high. South Africa is the only country where Team India has yet to win a Test series. As a result, Virat Kohli’s team will be fired up to challenge history versus the South Africa squad. However, the battle begins on 26th December with the Boxing Day Test at SuperSport Park in Centurion.
In terms of history, India has played seven Test series in South Africa, with the hosts winning 6 times. The two-match series in 2010-11 finished in a tie, with South Africa levelling the series after MS Dhoni’s side won by 87 runs in Durban. On the other hand, Team India is widely considered as the favourite in this series.
It will be an ideal combination for us to do well in South Africa: Saba Karim
Even so, India won the Test series against Australia 2-1 previously this year and led the unresolved Test series against England 2-1. Since SA haven’t had much luck in recent years, India will have to concentrate on themselves to win. Former Indian wicketkeeper-batsman, Saba Karim also believes India can make history in South Africa.
According to the former BCCI selector, India’s bench strength, including a proven team, makes them obvious favourites to win the series.
“It is immensely strong (bench strength) and proof of that was shown by them in Australia. We won the fourth Test without I think five or six of our regular players. That shows the kind of strength that India have got in our reserves,” added Karim.
“And I expect the same this time around and it is our golden opportunity for us as well have an experienced setup. Plus we have some potentially exciting youngsters who are coming through to the team. It will be an ideal combination for us to do well in South Africa,” he further explained.
