IND vs SA: Indian Bowling Unit Nullifies Our Home Advantage - Temba Bavuma

South Africa skipper Temba Bavuma opened up about the challenges his side will be facing in the Test series against India. He said that they will be having conditions in their favor but was quick to admit that the opposition bowling lineup diminishes the advantage they have.

“Batters win you games, bowlers win you tournaments/series”, a similar quote needs to be followed if India have to fancy their chances of winning the series against South Africa. In particular, pacers need to step up big time for the team and take the team to glory.

The Indian pace bowling unit over the past few years has given nightmares to the opposition even in their own backyard. One of the major reasons behind the team’s success in overseas conditions has been fast bowlers and this time around same is expected of them.

The South African conditions traditionally help pacers more. The Indian bowlers no doubt will enjoy conditions there and if they use their full potential, India surely can win the series and etch their name in record books.

Temba Bavuma admitted that the Indian bowling lineup is very strong and highlighted the success they have had. He added that a lot of them would be dependent on how their batters tackle them. Speaking to reporters, he explained (as quoted by ESPNCricinfo):

“We understand conditions a lot better so you’d expect us to adapt a lot better but their bowling is quite strong. The fact that they’ve been able to achieve such success is because of their bowling attack and that kind of nullifies the advantage we have. It’s more between the batters and how the batters take on that challenge.”

India will be without the services of Mohammed Shami in the series. But the likes of Mukesh Kumar and Prasidh Krishna are expected to fill his shoes. The spotlight will be on how Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj will go about the business.

IND vs SA: There’s a lot of pride attached to that – Temba Bavuma on South Africa’s unbeaten run at home against India

India haven’t won a series against South Africa in Tests till now. Opposition skipper Temba Bavuma would be aware of the fact and would be hoping to keep that record intact. The Proteas no doubt will be favorites to win.

Temba Bavuma acknowledged that unbeaten record but admitted that playing against India will be a huge challenge for them. He added that their main focus is how they will tackle the challenges India will be posing to them. He added:

“There’s a lot of pride attached to that – that we’ve been able to keep that record intact as a South African team… all of us as players also feel that. But we understand playing against India comes with certain challenges and it’s those types of challenges we would like to focus on. Playing against India comes with a lot more eyes and a lot more scrutiny in terms of everything we do. So it’s accepting that.”

Temba Bavuma further added that India are determined as a Test team and his team needs to be at their best to win the series. He elaborated:

“And the other, more obvious one, is the skill factor on the field. For me as a batter, the bowlers are going to put you under pressure and their batting line-up as well, they’ve got renowned Test players and guys who performed in all conditions. They are a determined team as well, who want to be able to say they’ve won a Test series here in South Africa so with that extra bit of drive and motivation, we’ll really need to be at our best.”

The first Test between teams will be played at Centurion on 26th December. The last time these teams played at the venue, India emerged victorious.