SA Vs IND, 2018: Vernon Philander reveals they are focusing on game not Virat Kohli

South Africa fast bowler Vernon Philander remarked it is not only about India skipper Virat Kohli while adding they are facing the unit and are bound to give their best against a team.

Pertinently, the gruelling series has been billed as a marquee clash of the hosts with the batting mainstay of Team India Virat Kohli.

“We are going to play bat and ball, not any names. We are going to have to have to get Virat out, as we do nine or 10 other Indian batters as well,” Philander was quoted as saying by Sport24.

Philander has a terrific record at home against India, as he bagged ten wickets in two Test fixtures at an average of 22.74.

The seamer in the form of Philander remarked they are solely relying on their strength to face the formidable side like India.

On the other side, Kohli has averaged 53.75 after featuring in 63 Tests which already saw the former greats lauding the 29-year-old batsman for his batting heroics in the contemporary cricket.

However, Philander, who has played a pivotal role for the Proteas went on to clear the air by saying their aim is to deliver with the ball and bat and they don’t have any special target while observing everyone is bound to contribute in one way or another for their respective teams.

“It’s a total different ball game over here in South Africa so we’ll have to wait and see,” Philander said.

The 32-year-old Bellville-born Philander remarked they are looking forward to giving their best on the home soil while adding the familiar conditions has a big role to play.

“We want to play our best cricket. 2015 was quite a different one going there and losing to them, but we want to make sure that we deliver at home on our own soil,” Philander asserted.

While observing the team India which is ranked number one in the ICC Test rankings, Philander stated the visitors had established dominance at home while reiterating it would be fascinating to face-off.

“They have played most of their games at home so it will be interesting to see how they go over here in South Africa,” Philander maintained.

Moreover, Philander stated the hosts are bound to bowl India out twice, and he’s are clearing focusing on bowling.

“We’ve put our prize on bowling them out twice and not focusing on who we are bowling against,” Philander concluded.

The hosts are bound to face the visitors in the first Test on Friday (January 5) at Newlands.

Owing to the build-up of the eagerly-awaited series, the players from both teams have already expressed the satisfaction during the preparations.

In 47 Tests, Philander has bagged 173 wickets at an average of 22.37.

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