Centurion:The wait is over as the first Test of the three-match series between India and South Africa gets underway on Sunday at the SuperSport Park, Centurion and it would be interesting to see who attains triumph in a clash of two heavyweight bowling attacks.
South Africa remains one country where India is yet to register a Test series win, however, this time, Kohli's team has the best possible chance to register a victory as all the bases in every department are taken care of and there is no particular area that the side seems to be lacking in.
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However, India's biggest challenge would be to post a competitive score in the first innings of a Test. South Africa has a potent bowling attack comprising Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Beuran Hendricks and they would not give away an inch. Anrich Nortje being ruled out does give India some breathing space, but taking the Proteas attack lightly will come at its own cost.
For the past few series, the spotlight has been on Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara, and rightly so. The duo has not registered big knocks and it seems like the time is running out. Rahane has also lost his vice-captain spot and this might just fire the middle-order batter.
Runs would be crucial from the bat of Rahane and Pujara and if the duo is indeed able to get on the scoring charts, it would hold the side in good stead. Skipper Virat Kohli has also been on a dry run as his last international century came way back in 2019.