The Indian team have been on quite a roll across all formats but it has not gone unnoticed that most of their performances have come on the sub-continent or away at weaker opposition like the West Indies.
Kohli has yet to lead his team in South Africa or England, which are traditionally known as the hardest places to win games at.
With the Test series against the Proteas approaching next year, it will be interesting to see how the men cope up and Graeme Smith, the former captain has issued a warning to Kohli.
Real test awaits:
Smith congratulated the Indian team on performing fantastically over the past few seasons and lauded Virat Kohli’s captaincy. However, he also added that conditions in South Africa will be different for India and it will be the real test of their character.
“India have been doing quite well in Test cricket. A lot can be attributed to how Virat Kohli has been playing Test cricket and inspiring teammates. I think the conditions in South Africa will be very different for the Indian team. They have been playing either at home or in Sri Lanka and the Caribbean where the ball comes a bit slow. The conditions in South Africa will be the real test for the Indians,” Graeme Smith was quoted as saying by the Hindustan Times.
Batsmen versus bowlers:
Smith believes the real contest will be between the Indian batsmen and the famed South African pace battery that consists the likes of Morne Morkel, Kagiso Rabada and Vernon Philander. He believes spinner Maharaj too, will be a thorn in the Indian side.
“It would be interesting to see how Indians fare against South African bowlers like (Kagiso) Rabada, (Morne) Morkel, (Vernon) Philander and Keshav Maharaj. Also, having Dale Steyn back in the side would work for the South African team. He has done well against the Indians and having his experience would mean a lot for South Africa. I think the South African batsmen will have to score big. The batting department looks a bit unsettled. Also, the combination South Africa chooses will make a difference,” Graeme Smith concluded.
The series begins in January next year with the team playing two practice matches.
