SA vs IND 2018: India Lucky To Start Series In Cape Town, Says Ajay Jadeja

Former India batsman Ajay Jadeja believes the friendly conditions of Cape Town gives Virat Kohli & Co. the best chance to win a game in the three-match series, starting today. After the first Test in Cape Town, India will head to more seam-friendly venues like Centurion, and Johannesburg for the next two Tests.

India’s record in South Africa has been disastrous so far. Having toured South Africa six times since the first in 1992, India have won just two of the 17 Tests with the 1-1 draw in 2010-11 being their best return. With history and stats firmly stacked against Kohli & Co., Jadeja feels Cape Town gives the visitors a bright chance to start the tour on a confident note.

“It will be a great challenge. Lot of people expect us to win easily there but I don’t think it’ll be that easy. Yes, we are a better side than what we used to be in the past, but overseas is always a different ball game. When other teams come here, it’s the same for them,” Jadeja said.

“The first Test is probably going to be the most important and India are lucky to play in Cape Town this time. Normally, we play in Cape Town at the end of the series and by then we are beaten mentally. Luckily we will be playing on a pitch that gives us the best chance to win because that’s the one that turns, that’s the one that gives a little help. It’s very hot out there and I believe it might turn. So, hopefully we will start well and have a better tour this time,” he added.

However, India should not get carried away while looking at the conditions as their record in Cape Town is not an encouraging one. So far, India has played four Tests at the venue and have lost two while the other two ended in draws. Moreover, the unpredictability of the Newlands track over the years also should be enough to make the high-flying visitors guard against complacency.

Since January 2008, the teams have been bowled out for 96, 47, 45 and 110. At the same time, they have posted scores like 651, 447 for seven declared, 580 for four declared, 494 for seven declared and, in a single match, 629 for six declared and 627 for seven declared.

Jadeja further said that a loss in the series would be facing the wrath if India fails to win.

“If you win, nobody will remember what Virat Kohli had said but if you don’t end up winning then people will remind Kohli that the day before he left, he was still getting married and wasn’t on the cricket field,” said Jadeja.

Here is the news-feed:

SA vs IND 2018: Hardik Pandya Gives India the Edge – Lance Klusener

South Africa vs India: Captain Kohli all set to break Kapil Dev’s record

Follow India’s tour to South Africa here: South Africa vs India

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