India and South Africa will in the first Test match of the three-match series starting Sunday. India have never won a Test series in South Africa and many experts believes that this is the best chance for the Asian team to end the quest for a Test series win in the Rainbow Nation.
Veteran India batter Cheteshwar Pujara has expressed confidence in his team and said it has the capacity to win the series in South Africa.
Citing the past performances of India in Australia and England, Pujara said in an interview to bcci.tv, “I think having done well in England and Australia will make a big difference in this squad’s confidence and self-belief that we can win overseas, we can win in any conditions and with our bowling and batting line-up, I am very confident that we have the capacity to win a series in South Africa.”
Pujara felt that the current Indian batting order can tackle pace, bounce and lateral movement on South African pitches. “Pace and bounce is there, lateral movement is also there. Facing fast bowlers is a big challenge when we go out of India. I feel that this is a much more balanced batting lineup and I think we will be able to handle South Africa’s bowling attack. With out preparation, I am confident we will put up a good show.”
Speaking on his experience of playing in South Africa, he said “When I came here in 2011, Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel were at their peak. I visited again in 2013 and 2017, so I understood what is expected. With experience you learn so many things, I feel you start believing in your preparation and don’t need to change too much.”
“Because of my tours in South Africa and Australia, I know the conditions little better than what I had seen in the past. So, with the experience, I know how to prepare, what kind of shots one needs to play and what shots have to be avoided. You get a little clearer with your preparation and mindset.”
