Published: Dec 26, 2017, 05:01 PM (IST)
Edited: Dec 26, 2017, 05:01 PM (IST)
South Africa has been the weak link for India just like all the other teams. Batsman Ajinkya Rahane believes the upcoming series in South Africa is India’s best chance to defeat them at their den. The current team consists of many players who have experience of playing in South Africa and can put that to use as the series takes place. Rahane also spoke about the cancelled practice schedule ahead of the tour and India’s talented pace-attack.
“Preparations this time around is not completely different,” Rahane told NDTV about India’s preparations for the tour. “When we went last time, I had 3-4 days of preparation before going to South Africa and I had such a good experience playing there. I played 2 Test matches there and it was my first Test tour. I learnt a lot from that series but again this will be a different challenge. When we went there last time the team was completely new, but this time all the boys are experienced and we have been there, we know the conditions. Yes, the conditions will be different this time. I am just trying to add new things so that I will be much better while handling the bowlers.”
BCCI has cancelled India’s practice schedule and talking about that Rahane said, “The good thing about this is we got good quality of bowlers. Since they have done well in domestic cricket, it’s better to face them. Sometimes what happens in overseas practice games is that we get flat wickets and ordinary bowlers. That does not help in preparations. It’s a good decision the management has taken. We are going to have some good net sessions and that will be quality practice. If you prepare well that actually matters in the Test cricket.”
When ask if India holds the chance to defeat the hosts, Rahane opined, Yes, and we will do our best to win the series there. Above all, we are just looking to play good cricket. Test cricket is all about giving your best throughout 5 days — each and every session matter in Test cricket because the game just changes in one session, so we don’t want to take any session lightly. South Africa is a very good team they have a very good attack, where they know their conditions really well. So we don’t want to take them lightly, but at the same time, we want to give our best. I think the first match will be very crucial, whoever does well in the first match will be better off in the series.
