The upcoming Test series against South Africa is going to be the stepping stones to success in 2018 for Virat Kohli and his men. Test opener Murali Vijay has his sights on scoring big in the series and in his recent interview with TOI, Vijay spoke in length about his preparations for the series.

“Im in that phase of my career where I want to spread good energy in the dressing room and be positive. With these two around, it's easier. We are all like-minded people. We are open to conversations. We share great rapport. Our communication skills are good. Whatever the issues, it's put in the open. When the heart is clear, your mind is clear. It's easy to move forward. I hope we forge a good combination in the upcoming Tests” said Vijay on his career right now.

“It's about going out there and expressing yourself. I have been to South Africa a couple of times. It's going to be critical on how fast we assess the situation. It's too early to think what's going to happen out there. I'm trying to keep my mind open and do my basics right” he said next on his preparations.”

Dale Steyn is making a comeback to Test cricket in the series against India after a long time. “My battle is with the ball and not with the names. It's about reacting to situations. Any international bowler is a class act and each bowler has his charm and advantage in home conditions. It's up to us to go out, enjoy the experience and come out on top. It's going to be a great experience for me personally and for the team as well. I know how it feels to perform abroad” said Vijay on facing Steyn and co.

With alien conditions awaiting India in South Africa, Vihay spoke about what he has learned from his last tour to the country. “You know the conditions better, you have a better feel of the ground and the opposition attack as well. You have experienced it once. It gives you an edge on how you are going to prepare this time. The conditions are going to be testing. As long as you are expressing your plans, he should do well.”

“Yes. When their pace attack can challenge us, our pacers too can challenge them. It's going to be up to them on how they prepare the pitches because we are prepared with our bowling unit. We have a lot of advantage as most of them have played abroad now. The bowlers have experience behind them. They know what exactly they have to do” concluded Vijay speaking about the Indian bowling attack and how can they challenge the opposition.