SA vs IND 2018: Kepler Wessels Reckons Rohit Sharma's Struggle in South Africa Would Continue

Updated - 11 Feb 2018, 03:01 PM

Rohit Sharma
Kagiso Rabada celebrates the dismissal of Rohit Sharma. (Photo credit should read GIANLUIGI GUERCIA/AFP/Getty Images)

In recent developments, former South African captain Kepler Wessels feels Rohit Sharma would always struggle in South Africa due to his footwork. Sharma is undergoing a torrid South African tour so far with scores of 5, 0, 15, 20, 10, 47, 11, and ten behind him.

Wessels points out that seaming and bouncing conditions of South Africa do not support Rohit’s technique. The Hitman tends to plant the front foot forward towards the offside. Therefore, his records speak volume of his ability in the Rainbow Nation.

“He will always struggle to score runs in SA because of his footwork. He plants his front foot across to the off-side and in SA, the pitches always seam and bounce a bit. This is the reason that he averages around ten there,” commented Kepler Wessels according to Times of India.

Kepler Wessels, Virat Kohli, on-field, agression, South Africa Vs India 2018, Centurion, Michael Gough, Chris Broad,
Kepler Wessels. Photo Credit: Web.

The former Australian opener says his shortcomings are not exposed in Asiatic or Australian conditions where the ball does not seam as much. Therefore, where the ball offers seam movement, Rohit Sharma is bound to struggle.

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“He’ll always struggle there because of his technique. It doesn’t affect him in India, and even in Australia, because the ball doesn’t seam there, it just bounces, but when you have seam and bounce, with that technique, he’s got a problem,” further added Wessels.

Rohit Sharma
Kagiso Rabada celebrates the dismissal of Rohit Sharma. (Photo credit should read GIANLUIGI GUERCIA/AFP/Getty Images)

On difference in the Indian Team Post Test Series

When asked about the change in the Indian team with the change in format, Kepler feels the one-day setup is different gravy when compared to the Test team. Also, Wessels feels the young wrist-spinning duo caused all the confusion within the South African camp.

“I think that they’ve got a totally different team, a totally different arsenal. They have introduced the two legspinners which have totally confused the SA set-up. I think that India’s One-Day team at the moment is very good,” replied Kepler Wessels.

Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli and Hardik Pandya. (Photo credit should read GIANLUIGI GUERCIA/AFP/Getty Images)

Wessels concluded by claiming the variety within the Indian squad in the ODI format is excellent even though they are ranked number one in Test cricket.

“Their Test team is good too. I mean they are ranked No. 1 in the Tests, but I think that this ODI team, with the combination and variety that they have, is excellent,” concluded the South African.

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India National Cricket Team Kepler Wessels News Rohit Sharma South Africa national cricket team