IND vs SA: "It Is The Bounce" - Faf du Plessis Reveals Factor Which Might Trouble India

Ahead of the first IND vs SA Test match set to be played at the SuperSport Park in Centurion, former South African captain Faf du Plessis has revealed the toughest challenge that the Indian batsmen might face in the first match.

As per du Plessis, it is the bounce that might trouble the Indian batsmen as there is some extra ‘zip’ in the Centurion pitch as compared to India.

Faf du Plessis opens up on stiff challenge that India might face in the first Test match

Speaking to Indian Express, Faf du Plessis said, “It is the bounce. There is almost one full hand of extra bounce here, compared to what they usually face in India. They are used to hitting the ball on the up there, but with the bounce on offer and lateral movement, there is additional risk at play if you haven’t done it before and are not used to the lift. The key to doing well in South Africa is to leave well and be there for a long period.”

“Generally on Day 1, there’s a bit of grass on the wicket, it’s a bit slow. So it seams around a little bit. Then day two and three are really good batting surfaces. But then again, it speeds up really quickly, and the cracks on the pitch start to get bigger with the bit of heat in the pitch. And then towards the end of day four and day five, there will be up and down bounce. So if you bat well in the first innings, it is always difficult to lose a Test in Centurion. But if you fail with the bat in the first innings, you are in for a long battle,” Du Plessis explains.

The South African wickets are known for their pace and bounce which has always been a matter of concern for the Indian batsmen on their last outings to South Africa. South Africa have produced many bowlers such as Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada, and many more who have proved to be brilliant on the South African wickets.

The Indian team have been touring South Africa since 1992, wherein the first win came in the year 2006. The Indian team have only won three Tests in the last 15 years in South Africa out of which two have come in the last two tours.

The Indian team have never won a Test series in South Africa leaving it the only nation whereas they are yet to win a Test series. India have one of the best bowling lineups in the world and the bowlers can take 20 wickets in any conditions.

The fast bowlers have been the major reason behind India’s success in the SENA countries for the last ten years. Bowlers such as Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, and Mohammed Siraj have terrified the batsmen with their pace and swing, and also become the reason for India’s wins overseas.

The Indian team now have the best chance to beat South Africa in South Africa. India defeated the Proteas when they last played in Centurion but ended up losing the Test series.

With the return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to the squad, this will be the first time both players will play together after the loss in the CWC 2023 final against Australia.

The Indian team lost to Australia in the 2023 ODI World Cup final by six wickets after a dominant campaign in the tournament. India won ten out of ten games ahead of the final but just fell one win short of lifting the World Cup trophy.

Virat Kohli was adjudged the Player of the Tournament and now will aim to continue the form against South Africa.