Former Indian batsman Vinod Kambli, on Thursday, said that the upcoming South African tour will be a big challenge for Virat Kohli and his team, as the Indian side has not won a Test in the Proteas soil yet.
Virat Kohli-led Team India are set to tour South Africa next year to play three Tests, six ODIs, and three T20s, with the first Test scheduled to play at Cape Town from January 5.
Although, Vinod Kambli believes that India’s positive and aggressive approach will make their way easy against the hosts, as the South Africa’s bouncy tracks demand the aggressive approach. He is also confident that India will do well in South Africa under Kohli.
Recently, Mumbai Cricket Association organized a function where it announced its inaugural Mumbai T20 League from January 4 to 9, and Kambli was one of among those guests.
On the sidelines of a function, Kambli told PTI, “It will be about the technique and the approach towards the game. There will be bouncy tracks and they (South African bowlers) will come at you. So the more aggressively and positively you play will be the best thing to do in South Africa. I had learned when I played as professional that you have to play aggressively and positively. No matter whatever the situation is, just play your best.”
He further added, "I am very confident that our team will do well (in South Africa), the way they are playing and the way they are winning. We have got the batting line up. Though, it will be a challenge for Virat (Kohli) and the team.”
While praising Kohli, who has been phenomenal with the bat this year, Kambli said, “The way Virat is playing is amazing. I am happy to see him batting like that. I am also VK and he is also VK. I got the double hundreds long back. I would like to congratulate him.”
The former left-hander also comments on struggling Ajinkya Rahane, adding, “He is struggling but once he gets in, he should get bigger runs. Getting out so early, you lose your confidence and concentration. So for him, it's one big knock. If he gets an opportunity, one big knock will bring back his confidence.”
Commenting Mumbai T20 League, the 45-year-old said it will prove a big platform for the budding cricketers from the megapolis and hopes they will get needed the exposure through it.
Kambli concluded by saying, “It (MCA T20 League) is a good opportunity for the youngsters. We play a lot of T20, but this is a big platform for them and hope they get the exposure. It is a learning process for all the youngsters who will be playing because they have to think about the IPL. For IPL, this (tournament) is the first step. They do it well here and they will get bigger platforms.”
