South Africa vs India 2018: 5 player battles to look out for in SA-IND Test series
The Test series between South Africa and India is probably one of the most awaited series in the first half of 2018. India have toured South Africa on six occasions and have never won a series there. In fact, it was only in 2006 that they managed to get their first Test win in the Rainbow Nation.
Thus, out of 17 Tests, India have played in South Africa, they’ve won just 2 games and lost 8. However, this time around India have a much-balanced side which is in very good form.
Hence, they have a great chance of creating history this time around.
South Africa, on the other hand, have been pretty solid and dominant at home. After a long time, they have a full-strength squad (with all players fit). They will be looking to continue the good work they’ve done over the last year or so.
Hence, there is a lot to look forward to ahead of the series and here we look at 5 player battles to watch out for in the series.
#5 Bhuvneshwar Kumar vs Dean Elgar
Dean Elgar was the 3rd highest run-getter in Tests in 2017. He has been pretty consistent at the top of the order for South Africa. Even in England when most batsmen struggled, Elgar found ways to score runs.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, on the other hand, has immensely grown as a player and his confidence is high after an impactful 2017. He will be very crucial with the new ball for India. His ability to move the ball around is second to none.
Hence, this battle between India’s best swing bowler and South Africa’s gritty opener should be an intriguing contest. Also, Dean Elgar doesn’t have a great record against India. He has scored only 137 runs in 7 innings. Though he’s played them only in India, the Indian seamers did manage to trouble him on occasions.
However, Elgar has improved since that tour and has been very good against the new ball. Hence, this spices up his battle with Bhuvneshwar Kumar.