"To Break Jinx Of Winning Test Series In South Africa..." - Irfan Pathan's Valuable Advice Ahead Of SA Tests

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan shared valuable advice for Team India ahead of the Test series against South Africa. He said that the Rohit Sharma-led team need to tackle the new ball well both while batting and fielding 

India will be facing South Africa in the two-match Test series, starting 26th December. There will be a lot of expectations behind them this time and they would be hoping to create history. India are yet to win a Test series in South Africa and this will be a golden opportunity for them to enter themselves in the record books.

Indian Team over the years have struggled to get going in South Africa both with the bat as well as the ball. Last time around they were close to winning the series as they won the first game but struggled to get going in the last two games, which eventually saw them losing the series by 2-1. 

But this time around with a lot of youngsters in the team, it’ll be a great opportunity for them to win the series. They have named a squad with a combination of youth and experience. It remains to be seen what will their fate be this time around.

Irfan Pathan pointed out that batting in South Africa especially against new ball is the toughest job. He said that if Team India manage to tackle the new ball they will have a chance of winning. Speaking to Star Sports, Irfan Pathan explained: 

“To break the jinx of winning Test series in South Africa, India need to find the mantra with the new ball both while batting and bowling. If you conquer that thing will be easier for you. In South Africa, batting is the toughest job while facing the new ball.” 

They need to give their everything and pick 40 wickets to win the series – Irfan Pathan on India’s chances in South Africa 

Irfan Pathan further pointed out that during the last Test series, India struggled to bowl with the same intensity in the second spell. He urged them to keep the intensity high all the time and added that if they pick 40 wickets they will win. Irfan Pathan explained: 

“Last time when we were about to win the Test series, we lost the second game. During that game bowlers looked tired in the second spell and the lengths were even short. When we bowled fuller, we lacked with pace. 

“I think this time around, India needs to understand that apart from bowling well with the new ball, they need to make sure that they keep the same intensity with the old ball. I want the series to be of at least 3 or 4 games but this could be an advantage for India as there are only two games. They need to give their everything and pick 40 wickets to win the series.” 

Expert #IrfanPathan believes #TeamIndia can win the 2-Test Series vs #SouthAfrica provided they play well with the new ball and the bowlers keep up their fitness.

Will the jinx finally be broken?

Tune-in to the 1st #SAvIND T20I
SUN, DEC 10, 7 PM | Star Sports Network#Cricket pic.twitter.com/R6dUoWajLl

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) December 7, 2023

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 soon will be beginning the training.