Now after making 2017 enormously successful, Kohli and his men will mark the new year with the tough tour of South Africa. The first test match will be played from 5th January and surviving the South African challenge in South Africa would be a task too demanding for team India.
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The long 50 day tour will come to an end toward the end of February and each of these days will be a tough test of character for team India.
It’s certainly the battle of the beasts and cricketing fans are eagerly waiting for it. But India has a long list of challenges that could well be the cause of worry when India walks out to face the Proteas at their home. 2018 will certainly different for team India which played most of its cricket in 2017 at home.
Here are 5 challenges on this tour that India would need to overcome
1. Dhawan’s fitness
Shikhar Dhawan is a key member of the player and he’s been really good in 2017. The opener finds himself ruled out from the very first test because of his injury.
India would want him to be fine for the subsequent matches as he gives the left hand- right hand combination to the team which is very crucial. His fearless batting would become India’s attack on the Proteas.
2. Dale Steyn’s comeback
Dale Steyn’s come back to the South African side makes the already lethal bowling attack even more lethal. Facing this pace attack would be challenging for the Indian batsmen and Steyn and Rabada would make life real tough for the Indian batting heroes.
3. Bumrah’s approach
Jasprit Bumrah is all likely to get his maiden test cap in test cricket on this tour. He’s always been a bowler who has looked to retain the batsmen in the limited overs format. Now how he goes about in test cricket and how he adapts to the demands of the longest version would be challenge in itself for him as well as the team.
4. Saha’s performance overseas
Given the lethal pace attack of the opposition, India would want more from its batsmen including Saha. But the wicket keeper has a very ordinary record overseas and he could be seen struggling badly while facing such a pace attack. His performance with the bat might let India down.
5. Rahane’s form
The middle order would have a lot of expectations from the vice captain. But his form in the recent test series at home was in shambles. If Rahane continues his miserably poor run of form on this tour too then India would only see its troubles escalating.
