Former pacer Zaheer Khan believes Team India can win their maiden Test series on South African soil, led by their potent fast bowling attack on the seamer-friendly tracks.
The Virat Kohli-led side is due to play three Tests on the tour of South Africa, slated to get underway on December 26 in Centurion.
"It all boils down to the planning and the consistent cricket this team has been playing. They have to just keep things simple. They need to continue what they have been doing. They have been successful in various conditions and the best part is that the bowling unit has been consistently doing well," Zaheer quoted as saying by Times of India.
Zaheer also weighed in on India’s pace battery, saying it is fully capable of picking up all 20 wickets in a Test match.
For the South Africa series, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami have returned to the side after a much-needed break and the visitors also have Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Ishant Sharma and Shardul Thakur in their ranks as pace bowling options.
"India will definitely relish the South African conditions and the bowlers will enjoy bowling in those conditions. As a batting unit you need to put up a lot of runs on the board which is a basic requirement, but to win a Test match you need to take 20 wickets. The way Indian bowlers have been bowling, they will be able to do that. I am sure this Indian team will win their maiden series in South Africa," he said.
According to Zaheer Khan, India will feel the absence of Rohit Sharma, who has had a great season in Test cricket at the top of the order. Rohit, who was appointed vice-captain for the South Africa Test tour, has been ruled out of the series with a hamstring injury.
"The quality of Rohit Sharma you are always going to miss. There is no doubt about it. But if you look at the squad, there are a number of good options to open for India. You need to wait and see which direction the team goes in. There are consistent performers in the team and the bench strength is also looking very good. It is a good headache to have for the team management," said Zaheer.
