5 reasons why India will lose to South Africa

India’s defence of cricket’s premier crown started with a bang as the country had a blast on Sunday night. Monday morning’s IPL 2015 auctions further ensured cricket continues to dominate headlines. India are on a high after beating Pakistan and will continue so till the end of this week, when they play tournament favourites South Africa.Here are five reasons why South Africa will bring India down to earth in this massive Pool B encounter and what India should look to do different:

#1 Opening encounters

The spring on Indian steps is also due to strong awareness that same Sunday, the mighty Springboks were brought down to earth by minnows Zimbabwe. Elton Chigumbura’s men first reduced the Proteas top order to 83/4 and then themselves amassed 277 runs versus, supposedly, the best bowling attack in the game. Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel combined went for 6.5 runs per over as South Africa managed a win only thanks to David Miller and JP Duminy playing big knocks.

That result, and India’s complete annihilation of Pakistan, ensures the upcoming encounter starts even stevens. But two players coming to the party was enough for the Proteas to beat Zimbabwe. In contrast, India’s entire bowling lineup and three batsmen clicked while none from Pakistan’s did in India’s win. Even Misbah-ul-Haq’s lusty knock didn't have a strike rate of 100 or more – the minimum what Pakistan required. Simply put, South Africa are no Pakistan and India will need to play out of their skins to even make a match of it