Former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra doesn’t think the Virat Kohli-led Indian cricket team will be able to break the jinx of not winning a Test series in South Africa, as he predicted the winner of the upcoming three-match Test series, starting on December 26 in Centurion.
India hasn’t yet won a Test series in South Africa and they are hoping to script history on the ongoing tour, but Chopra feels South Africa are favorites to maintain their winning record this time as well, and said the hosts will win or it will be a drawn series.
The cricket analyst feels that there is a possibility of a drawn Test match in the upcoming Test series, especially due to the absence of South Africa’s star pacer, Anrich Nortje.
Chopra said on his YouTube channel ahead of the Boxing Day Test in Centurion: “It is going to be interesting but I feel this might be a drawn series. 51% South Africa and 49% India. That's what I am thinking at this point in time. If any team wins, I feel that will be South Africa.”
He added, “I don't see India winning this right now, I mean it is difficult. I would have said 2-1 for South Africa if Nortje was playing. Nortje is not there, I am saying this series can again end at 1-1. There is a chance of a drawn Test match; the first Test could be in slight trouble because of rain.”
On the young Proteas side, the former opener said: “It is not that South Africa's team is flying high. I think they are starting to regroup really well. The World Cup has shown that they have the players, where the things are falling in place but it is still a team in transition.”
Chopra also highlighted India's problems with team selection and consistency.
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He signed off by saying, “It is not a transition for our team. Our team's problem is the form and a little bit about availability because Pujara, Kohli, and Rahane - these three are there in the middle, Rahul at the top, Pant as a keeper. All this is there but we have the issue of consistency. If we play to our potential, the Indian team's chances become quite bright.”
