IND vs SA: You Have To Make That Impact With Your Performances - Zaheer Khan To Under-Fire Ajinkya Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara

Former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan believes that it’s a matter of ‘one knock’ for both Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara before they get back to their top form. That opportunity will be presented perhaps for one last time in India’s upcoming Test series against South Africa.

Although that ‘one knock’ cliche is being used for the last couple of years, this could very well be the final time. A failure for either of the two batters could mean they begin to make for the future generation. For now, all they can do is control what they can and score well, says Zaheer.

“He [Rahane] is under immense pressure, that is the fact. The good part is that you are still there and you are one inning away. As a batsman or cricketer, you should have such a belief. If you hit that, things change very fast as well. This is what I would advise Ajinkya at this stage,” he said in an interview with TOI.

When asked whether this could be the last chance for the duo of Pujara and Rahane, Zaheer replied from a cricketer’s point of view, advising them to shut out the outside noise.

“I don’t believe in all these things. I will talk from a cricketer’s point of view. These factors are not in your control. What is in your control is when you are playing the match. You just have to make that impact with your performance. That’s what the challenges of playing at the highest level bring to you,” Zaheer added.

“India should take it one Test at a time” – Zaheer Khan

The upcoming Test series is likely the best chance that India has ever had in winning a Test series in South Africa. The hosts lost one of their main bowlers in Anrich Nortje while Indian bowling stocks are through the roof. All they need to do is take one Test at a time, says Zaheer Khan.

“You have such a good squad. It has to be with a plan. I would emphasise on a very clear plan and tactical decisions according to the conditions you will be playing in. You need to be good with your understanding, decision, and what tactically will work for you to win a Test match. India should take it one Test at a time,” Zaheer mentioned.

The tour begins on December 26 with the first Test set to be played at the SuperSport Park in Centurion.

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