IND vs SA: Our Fast Bowlers Are Our Strength - Cheteshwar Pujara Backs Bowling Attack To Come Good In South Africa

Indian top-order batsman Cheteshwar Pujara has entrusted the fast bowlers to help the side register their first-ever Test series win on South Africa soil. Citing examples of Australia and England, Pujara hoped the bowling attack can get 20 wickets in each game.

Heading into the all-important South African tour, India has high hopes. This is their best chance to further build on their reputation as the best touring side of recent times. With the bowling attack being at its peak, nothing short of a series win is on the team’s mind.

“Our fast bowlers have been the difference between the two sides whenever we have played abroad. If you look at the Australia series, even if you look at the England series, we have done exceptionally well as a bowling unit and I am sure that will be the case even in South Africa. Our fast bowlers are our strength and I hope that they will be able to utilise these conditions and give us 20 wickets in every Test match,” Pujara said.

“Good thing is we played a couple of Test matches in India” – Cheteshwar Pujara

The recently concluded 2-match Test series against New Zealand has helped the Indian team prepare well, says Pujara. Members who weren’t part of that series – Hanuma Vihari and Priyank Panchal also have some match practice behind them as they traveled with the India ‘A’ side for the South Africa tour.

“The good thing is we played a couple of Test matches in India. So most of the guys are in touch, and when it comes to preparation, the support staff has been excellent. They have been supporting us well and we have five or six days more before we head into the first Test. I am sure there is enough time for us to prepare and guys are looking forward to this series. This is the best opportunity for us to win our first series in South Africa. So all of us are looking forward to it,” Pujara added.

Speaking about the bio-bubble, Pujara said it can be a double-edged sword most of the time. Being in close proximity with teammates helps build camaraderie and unity but at the same time, restrictions on going outside take a toll on the mental welfare of the players.

“Sometimes I feel bio-bubble helps the team environment where you end up spending more time with the team players, you are in the team room, you are having more team dinners together, so overall I feel sometimes it helps the team environment but yes, there are some challenges as well.”

“You are not allowed to go out, you cannot explore the country. So there are restrictions as well but at the same time you are getting to play some cricket and that’s the most important thing being a cricketer. We want to play some cricket and we are able to play cricket even in a biosecure bubble, so that helps,” Pujara concluded.

The series begins on December 26 with the Boxing Day Test set to be played at the SuperSport Park in Centurion.

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