India is preparing for the South African assault in the opening 2-Test series encounter, which begins on Boxing Day in Centurion, as they turn their attention to the longest format. A month after the devastating ODI World Cup 2023 final, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are back in the running. As stated by head coach Rahul Dravid during the press conference, the players are eager to go into the 2025 World Test Championship final since they have been taught to overcome heartbreaks.
India has only won four of the 23 Test matches they have played in South Africa. Additionally, the Indians have not previously won in a Test series against the Rainbow, thus Rohit Sharma & Co. will have another opportunity to rewrite history in the next series.
All focus will be on the new players as well as returning players like Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah. Players who have never participated in a Test series in South Africa, such as Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal, will have their mettle put to the test against the Proteas onslaught. Head coach Dravid thinks the squad would inspire the upcoming batters to be comfortable with the bat since they have aggressive players like Jaiswal and Gill.
However, there are certain players whose averages decline when they visit South Africa, which raises concerns. KL Rahul’s average drops from 33 to 25, while Rohit Sharma’s average of 46.54 plummets to 15.37. Only Kohli, who averages in excess of 50 in South Africa, has dominated with the bat while playing there.
“We have never won a series here” : Rohit Sharma
Team India skipper spoke to the media ahead of the game against South Africa. He spoke about the ODI World Cup 2023 final defeat and how it still hurts him. The captain discussed the throughout of winning a Test series in South Africa.
Rohit Sharma said, “We have never won a series here and it’ll be a big thing if we do it here. I don’t know whether it’ll be able to take away the pain of World Cup defeat. If we are able to achieve it then it’ll be a good thing. Itna mehnat kiya hai toh kuch toh kitna banta hai (Since we have worked so hard, we derserve this at least).”
Fans react as Rohit Sharma discusses South Africa challenge in Tests: –
Rohit Sharma said, "we've never won a Test series in South Africa, if we win the series, I don't know if it can compensate for the World Cup loss. World Cup is a World Cup, we can't compare". pic.twitter.com/QlyOOTH2ZO
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) December 25, 2023
What about this man ? pic.twitter.com/hbd7u0ZDiq
— Pankaj (@Pankaj41627) December 25, 2023
Being candid, honest. The world cup defeat won't go away but an iconic series win in SA will atleast help in reducing those wounds and start 2024 with a bang.
— Anurag Rekhi (@Dravidict) December 25, 2023
Rohit Sharma acknowledges the significance of winning a Test series in South Africa but emphasizes that it cannot fully compensate for the disappointment of a World Cup loss.
He highlights the unique prestige of a World Cup and the inability to compare it to other achievements.
— Renu (@Talk2Rinki) December 25, 2023
This Time Ye South Africa?? Series Jeet hona chahiye
Kyunki Wo South Africa??
Nhi lag rahi hai jo South Africa??
Pahle Jaisi Strong? ThiSo i Quite Confidence that India?? Will Win This Series
— Ajay Gautam (@gautam_ajay007) December 25, 2023
Rohit Sharma going to play selfless knock in test cricket. pic.twitter.com/N1vN32o85B
— Indian sport action (@sportszone_17) December 25, 2023
HITMAN ?????? pic.twitter.com/3CkfKhd8Q0
— Shivaye ? (@shivaye01) December 25, 2023
well said pic.twitter.com/518Lm1nBDP
— Messi Fan (@George_leo453) December 25, 2023
He'll score century mark my words! pic.twitter.com/w8jRUNwBoy
— Jigar Punadiya (@Jigspunadiya) December 25, 2023
He will score 40 off 25 in tests and his fans will hype it as selfless
— Indian sport action (@sportszone_17) December 25, 2023
Goodluck for tomorrow
— Saad Raheel (@SaadRaheel20) December 25, 2023
Rohit Sharma knows the value of World Cup
— Satya Prakash (@Satya_Prakash08) December 25, 2023
