India too reliant on Virat, mocks Faf
CENTURION: South Africa captain Faf du Plessis made no bones about the fact that they wanted to settle scores with India after the 3-0 hiding in 2015. Speaking after the 135-run win, Du Plessis also took a jibe at India for being too dependent on Virat Kohli.
Recalling their tour of India, Du Plessis said the loss had motivated them to leave no stone unturned to win here.
“It was tough for us in India. Personally and as a team we struggled there, and mentally it took a toll on us, even after that series. So, the guys were motivated for this series to put that right. You could see that in this Test especially. In conditions that should suit them more than us, we adapted really well and we fought every hour to get ahead in the game. It’s very pleasing sitting here 2-0 up,” said Du Plessis.
Asked to point out the difference between the two sides, Du Plessis said, “Everyone has chipped in. We feel as an opposition India is very reliant on Virat to score runs. So that’s the difference. The first Test was bowlingfriendly conditions where both teams bowled well, but in this Test on a wicket that is not supposed to suit seam bowling a lot, the areas that our bowlers hit…We’ve got more pace which helps,” he said.
South Africa have been on a different plane after that loss in India. There was discontentment over the turning tracks on which they had to play in India. Having played on a slow pitch at Centurion, India can’t say the same. Du Plessis stopped short of terming those Indian pitches ridiculous.
“The last time we went to India we didn’t play as well, but the conditions were touching on extreme. Even the Indian batting line-up struggled in conditions where their spinners were much better than ours.”