Team India’s mission South Africa will get underway on Sunday (December 26) as they gear up to face the hosts in three-match Test series as Rahul Dravid will take charge of his first overseas tour. The Indian team led by Virat Kohli will try to win their first Test series in the Rainbow nation. Dravid, on the eve of the match, was speaking to the bcci.tv regarding the challenges of the team and how Kohli has impacted the team in last 10 years.
The 48-year-old was full of praise for current Test captain Kohli and how he has been in the last 10 years.
“I was there when Virat Kohli made his debut, I was there when he played his first Test match and I batted with him in that particular match. It’s actually phenomenal to watch him 10 years later as he has grown, obviously as a cricketer and also as a person and just the kind of performances he has had for India over the 10 years.
The match-winning performances with the bat, the way he has led the team, and the success he has had on the field have been terrific. I a lot of ways he has driven a culture of fitness, energy, ambition which is just fascinating to watch.”
The former India captain feels South Africa will be a tough assignment for his men.
“It’s been a great country to tour and very challenging place to play cricket and also a really exciting place to play cricket. I obviously have some fond memories associated with South Africa having scored my first Test hundred here, having won a Test match as a captain here for the first time. Also some tough moments, there have been tough series and we have lost games,” the head coach said on the bcci.tv.
Dravid also spoke about his experience in South Africa as a player.
“We reached the final of the 2003 World Cup here as well, so that was again a really good memory. It’s a place that is very passionate about their cricket and they love their cricket. Games are generally very well attended and well supported.”
Kohli and company will be without Rohit Sharma for the Test series as he was ruled out due to injury. The 34-year-old was appointed vice-captain of the Test side, but will now be succeeded by KL Rahul for the series. India will also have Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah back for the series as they were rested for the home series against New Zealand.
