‘Pitch didn’t deteriorate as much as we expected’
India’s inability to force victory against Sri Lanka in the final Test ahead of the tough South Africa series raised questions over their decision to go in with four bowlers, instead of five, on the docile Ferozeshah Kotla pitch.
Though India won the series 1-0, they will be expected to play more aggressively if they are to realise the dream of clinching their first Test series win in South Africa. Although India are known to play only four bowlers at home, Virat Kohli as captain prefers five bowlers to give his team the best chance of winning. In the second Test in Nagpur too, India fielded only four bowlers to include Rohit Sharma as the sixth batsman, though R Ashwin’s brilliant spell helped beat Sri Lanka by an innings and 239 runs.
COMBINATION ABROAD
The combination is expected to change in South Africa. India are likely to play three pacers and one of either Ashwin or Ravindra Jadeja with all-rounder Hardik Pandya taking up the fifth bowler’s spot.
India No 3 Chetesh war Pujara defended the four-bowler theory. “I don’t think so (it made a difference). Overall, we’ve bowled really well, especially looking at this wicket. We were expecting this wicket to deteriorate a little more, on Day 4 or 5. Maybe because of the weather, it was still a flat wicket and didn’t have much help for spinners on the last two days,” he said after the match.
SA EXPERIENCE
Pujara believes past experience of the players in South Africa could be the key. Kohli, Pujara, Vijay, Ashwin and Ajinkya Rahane have all played Tests in that country.
“We have enough experience being in South Africa. I have been there in 2010 and 2013. Many of our players were there in 2013. At the same time, our fast bowling unit is much better now. I think our fast bowlers will do the damage. At one point what the South African batting used to be and what it is now, there is a difference. That will give us some advantage.”
Pujara also backed Ajinkya Rahane to come good in South Africa despite his slump, scoring 17 in five innings in the series.
“Technically, I really don’t need to tell himwhathehas to do. He is a hard worker, in his batting, in his fielding, in his fitness. He is an all-round cricketer. So, once he gets a 50 or more, he will get his confidence back and will be a very useful player in South Africa.”