Legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar expressed strong confidence in India's victory in their Test series against South Africa, foreseeing a promising start to 2024. Despite India's historical challenges on South African soil, where they have lost seven out of eight Test series, Gavaskar emphasised the current advantage for India due to the South African batters' lack of form.
Notably, India's only draw in a Test series in South Africa in recent years was in 2010 under the captaincy of MS Dhoni, with India managing a 1-1 result. In a total of 23 Tests in South Africa, India have won four, lost 12, and drawn seven.
"I think they will because I think South Africa are not quite the same. Also, the South African batters aren't quite in form and that gives India a terrific opportunity to win this game," Gavaskar was quoted as saying to Star Sports before the opening Test at the SuperSport Park in Centurion.
Gavaskar also pointed out that India hold an edge over the Proteas in terms of experience. He emphasised India's intention to capitalise on the wealth of experience that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma bring to the series in South Africa.
"Indian batters, on the other hand, have been in prime form in all the matches. If you've seen, they have got experience on their side with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma playing here many times before. So, clearly, I think India will celebrate the New Year with a win," he added.
In the seven Tests played on South African grounds, Kohli has accumulated 719 runs at an average of 51.35, including two centuries. Kohli's highest score of 153 was recorded in January 2018 in Centurion, despite India losing the match by 135 runs. As for the SuperSport Park, India have won one out of the three Tests played there.
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma won the crucial toss and chose to field in the first Test against India at Centurion on December 26.
Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal, along with Shubman Gill and Iyer, lacks experience in Test matches in South Africa, India may face some challenges against the bowling attack of Rabada, Ngidi, left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, Gerald Coetzee, and Marco Jansen.
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