Former Indian captain and current head coach Rahul Dravid knows that the conditions in South Africa are going to be challenging. The Indian team is yet to win a Test series in South Africa and the Men in Blue will once again try to break the jinx in the next two Tests to be played at Centurion and Newlands respectively. Rahul Dravid explained how the seam movement and bounce on these wickets will ensure that each batsman follows a specific game plan.
Rahul Dravid was quoted as saying to Star Sports: “So, it’s a challenging place to hit; the statistics will tell you. It’s one of the toughest places to bat, especially here in Centurion and Johannesburg. The wickets tend to run a bit and also tend to go up and down. Each of the hitters will have a game plan for how they want to go, as long as they are clear about it, commit to it and practice to achieve it, that’s fine.”
‘We don’t expect everyone to play the same way,’ says Rahul Dravid
Rahul Dravid feels that the temperament of every batsman in South Africa will be different and it will depend on how each individual tries to feel comfortable. However, the Indian head coach is hopeful that once some batsmen get off to a good start, they can convert it into a significant contribution.
Regarding this, he added, “We don’t expect everyone to play the same way. We want them to be very clear about what works for them and then be able to execute it. The guys, once they get out there, a lot of it is mental, and I guess, you know, we try to emphasize the fact that if we get going, if we have a chance to prepare, they try to get it done. a match-winning contribution.”
India will get their big guns back for the Test series after being given a break for the three T20Is and three ODIs. Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Ravindra Jadeja and Mohammed Shami will all return to the Indian team for the Test series as the new WTC cycle is already underway and India will look to qualify for the WTC Finals for the third consecutive time. Rohit Sharma will lead the team and return to red-ball cricket after a good six months.