India tour of South Africa 2013-14 Vs 2017-2018 - 5 things that have changed
Cricket fans from India and South Africa are waiting to see the top two Test teams battle it out for the ultimate glory. The sojourn, starting on December 30, 2017, consists of a two-day warm-up match, three Tests, six ODIs and three T20Is. The 17-member squad for the upcoming tour was recently announced by the BCCI.
The last time India toured South Africa was in December 2013. India played three ODIs and two Tests but was unable to register a single win on the entire tour. The squad back then and the squad now has many players in common - the top order batsmen, the two key spinners R Ashwin and Jadeja and two pacers Mohammed Shami and Ishant Sharma.
Team India has been at the zenith of its game in all three formats. Recently, India registered its ninth consecutive Test series win and thus it seems to be an opportune time to beat South Africa on its home soil. Although the team in 2013 series and the team now is almost the same, a lot has changed over the span of four years.
Let us look what has changed :
#1 Increase in overall experience
When India toured South Africa in 2013, it was an inexperienced, vulnerable but a very determined side. After four years of grooming and international exposure, today, India is a top-ranked Test side with its batsmen and bowlers consistently featuring in the ICC top 10 rankings (for Tests). Have a look at the comparison of the experience of key players - now and in 2013 :
The above stats suggest that a group of relatively novice and resolute cricketers has now become a force to reckon with. The anxiety has vanished and confidence levels are at a high.