Lalchand Rajput Predicts Series Win for Team India in South Africa

Lalchand Rajput, the former team India manager, has backed Indian team to win the Test series against South Africa, as he has said the current Indian team looks to win at any cost,

“The way the Indian team is playing, they are playing tough cricket. With Virat Kohli being the leader, the aggression which he shows, seems to be imbibed in other players too and they want to win at any cost. They want to crush the opponents. To win a Test match, we need to take 20 wickets. We have the bowlers who can take 20 wickets. Bhuvneshwar Kumar is in peak form, Umesh Yadav has done exceptionally well, Mohammed Shami, after injury, is bowling superbly. If they get a little bit of help from the wickets then these bowlers are dangerous,” Rajput told PTI.

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Though team India has a strong bowling lineup with the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah; the batting appears to be the weak link in team India.

Shikhar Dhawan, the opener, has not done well on foreign tours in past few years. Cheteshwar Pujara too went through a rough patch on most of the previous overseas tours, which is another concern for the side. The current form of Ajinkya Rahane adds to the list as well.

Rohit Sharma, despite his good show in previous two Tests at home, is still to perform on the foreign soil. In short, team India’s batting lineup is still something to ponder about, and they will have a tough task to face the likes of Morne Morkel, Kagiso Rabada and Vernon Philander.

In bowling as well, the biggest concern for the side would be the injuries. Both Umesh Yadav and Mohammed Shami missed a Test each during Sri Lanka series due to injuries. Team Indian cannot manage to miss out on services of any of these two pacers during South Africa tour.

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If everything falls in line for the side, then only the Virat Kohli-led team would be able to create history by winning a series there, or the team might have to wait for the next tour.

The India tour of South Africa starts on January 5. The series comprises a total of three Tests, six ODIs and three T20Is.

Before the start of the international fixtures, team India will undergo an intense practice session to prepare for the series. Team management has decided to carry a total of four additional pacers viz Ankit Rajpoot, Avesh Khan, Mohammed Siraj and Basil Thampi, who will bowl to the Indian batsmen in nets. It will allow the fast-bowlers in the Test squad to take enough rest before the Test series starts.

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