IND vs SA: "Because This Bloke Is Not Playing.."- Ravi Shastri Feels India Can Win Test Series
Published - 26 Dec 2023, 06:18 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:24 AM
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Former India head coach Ravi Shastri feels that the Rohit Sharma-led team has the best opportunity to secure a Test series victory in South Africa. Ravi Shastri highlighted that India could have won two previous series if Vernon Philander hadn’t been a part of the team.
India has encountered challenges in securing victories in the 23 Test matches played in South Africa, managing only four wins over 30 years. Despite coming close in the previous series by winning the first Test, India ultimately lost the remaining two matches.
We Would Have Beaten South Africa At Least Twice – Ravi Shastri
Ravi Shastri said that India has a strong chance of winning the Test series in South Africa, emphasizing the absence of Vernon Philander. He highlighted Philander’s knack for taking crucial wickets at critical moments.
“This is India’s best chance, you know why? Because this bloke is not playing,” Ravi Shastri said.
“We would have beaten South Africa at least twice when I came here but for this fellow. We’ve seen Rabada’s record, Ngidi’s record. Take a look at his record as well against India. He always gets the important wickets when we don’t want one to fall,” Shastri added.
Philander had an impressive home record against India, having played five Tests during the 2013 and 2018 tours. The right-arm medium pacer secured 25 wickets at an average of 18. Philander’s ability to move the ball both ways made it challenging for the Indian batters.
Shastri was Team India’s head coach during the 2018 series against South Africa, where the visitors suffered a 1-2 defeat. Vernon Philander played a crucial role, securing 15 wickets. Philander retired in 2019, amassing 224 wickets in 64 matches at an average of 22.
We Want To Use The Moisture – Temba Bavuma
South African captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and elected to bowl first in the opening Test against India. The South African team included two debutants, Nandre Burger and David Bedingham, in their playing XI for the match.
“We’ll bowl first. Wicket has been under covers, we want to use the moisture and make early inroads. Our boys have all got into reasonably fit conditions, Lungi is the only one who’s not yet fully fit. Two debutants today – Nandre Burger and David Bedingham. We’re playing with four seamers for this one,” Bavuma said.
The Guys Are Up For The Challenge – Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma acknowledged the challenges of batting first with overhead conditions but emphasized the need to put runs on the board, trusting the bowlers to handle their role in the game.
“Wasn’t too sure (on batting or bowling). We are quite aware of the conditions, we have been here a few times. We need to put runs on the board and the bowlers will do the job for us. We do understand the challenge of batting first with the overhead conditions and the grass, but the guys are up for the challenge,” Rohit said.
Also read: IND vs SA: “What Makes Virat Kohli So Good Is…” – Ravi Shastri Makes Huge Revelation
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IND vs SA 2023-24 India National Cricket Team Ravi Shastri South Africa National Cricket Team Vernon Philander
