Not Rohit Sharma Or Aiden Markram! Faf du Plessis Names Two X-Factors For India vs South Africa Series

Former South African cricketer Faf du Plessis picked his two X-factors for the upcoming series between India and South Africa. He believes that Marco Jansen with the ball and Virat Kohli with the bat will be the two X-factors for their respective team in the upcoming series. 

India and South Africa will be up against each other in a three-match ODI and T20I series as well as a two-match Test series. It’ll be a high-intensity battle as both the teams over the years have been involved in some breathtaking series. 

India haven’t won a Test series in South Africa yet and they would be hoping to end the jinx this time around. On the other hand, the Proteas would be hoping to extend their winning run and keep their record intact. Both the teams have some fiery players and it’ll be a treat for Cricket fans to watch. 

Faf du Plessis was recently asked by NDTV to name two X-factors of the series. He backed Marco Jansen to be the standout player for South Africa. The former Test skipper mentioned that a left-arm pacer bowls in right areas and batters wouldn’t want to face him. He explained: 

“Marco Jansen for South Africa. I think he has come leaps and bounds with his cricket. He’s tall and has a really got wrist and swings the ball and bowls right area as well. Certainly from a batsmen’s perspective, he’s one of the guys I don’t want to face much.” 

Marco Jansen notably has been one of the top performers for South Africa in the recent past. The lanky fast bowler has often put his team on top with his fiery spells and also has been handy with the bat. 

From the batting perspective, I think the way Virat Kohli – Faf du Plessis 

Faf du Plessis further said that Virat Kohli will be X factor for India. He believes that the batter has good experience of South African conditions and highlighted his century in Wanderers during the 2018-19 tour. He also stressed the fact that leaving balls outside off is crucial in those conditions. He added: 

“From the batting perspective, I think the way Virat Kohli has done in South Africa, his experience. I remember he scored a brilliant hundred in Wanderers last time, he left the ball really well and that will be the key. The experience that they have in South Africa conditions is making sure that there are different method to be successful in South Africa in the way you bat. 

“It requires a lot more discipline especially around the off stump, leaving the ball, which is something in India you don’t have to do much. But there’s a great experience in the team and I’m sure they will be good.”

Before the Test series, India will be taking on South Africa in a three-match T20I and three-match ODI series. The team for the T20Is has reached there and has begun the training.