‘SA would want Rahane on bench’
EXPERTSPEAK EXSA pacer Allan Donald feels it would be foolish to make changes but Rahane’s exclusion would please the hosts
When I saw them take eight wickets in that morning session, I thought India were in with a massive chance. Yes, possibly, that was their biggest chance to win. But I think shot making in Johannesburg and Pretoria will be much better. This wicket really surprised me on Day 1.There was more grass and more moisture than I have seen. Pretoria, I think, the scoring rate is much higher and the guys can play their shots. Don’t get me wrong but I don’t think South Africa will get it flat. It won’t be flat. There will be carry and there will be pace. I don’t think India must be disheartened with what happened in Newlands. Dhawan is a world-class player. He is a hard man to bowl to because he makes you change the length because he is so attacking. I really think it’s harsh to keep Rahane out. Last time he was here he had a great tour. I think for me, Rahane is the man who can steady the ship. He is a rock-solid guy and a good head on his shoulders. From my point of view, if there is a change in the top, South Africa will think ‘okay, good we have KL Rahul instead of Shikhar Dhawan’ who is of aggressive nature. I would definitely continue with Shikhar. Rohit Sharma is coming to South Africa in serious form. He played a real sloppy shot to get out. He is gifted technically. South
Africa are just going to keep peppering him. I think away from home. They have to work harder. We judge ourselves on winning in India and Pakistan, not to mention other countries. For India to come here, that’s where they need to set the bar different in pace but they have a lot of skill. South Africa’s bowling attack is based on pace with the exception of Philander while the Indian bowling attack has got incredible variety.
If South Africa keep preparing wickets like this, it will bring the two teams closer. That’s what happened yesterday. India came out with an amazing performance. I think they will take a lot of that moving into Pretoria and Johannesburg where the wickets will definitely be faster, bouncier and it will definitely go a little sideways as well.
I consider Shikhar Dhawan to be a really aggressive player. If they make that change, (KL Rahul for Shikhar Dhawan) South Africa will believe ‘right, that’s good for us’. I have to say Virat Kohli has now brought a huge fitness culture in the team which I haven’t seen for a very long time. He’s brought an aggressive streak. He leads from the front.