22 December,2021 11:34 AM IST | Mumbai | Clayton Murzello
Rohit Sharma; (right) Skipper Virat Kohli during a practice session at Centurion yesterday. Pics/Getty Images
"India showed the cricket world that they are a much-improved team while playing on bouncy and seamer-friendly pitches. They are going to become a force also away from home." Omar Henry, 69, South Africa's first coloured Test cricketer, uttered these words to mid-day after Virat Kohli's team triumphed over the hosts in the third and final Test at Johannesburg in January 2018. India's memorable win on an ultra-challenging Wanderers surface did not prevent the Proteas from winning the series 2-1, but India went on to win three overseas series (two in Australia and one in the West Indies) after that, apart from leading England 2-1 in the last Pataudi Trophy. A stumbling block came in the form of the 2018 series in England and the two-match Test series during the 2019-20 season in New Zealand.
Henry, the former left-arm spinner, reckoned the two series wins in Australia will play a big role in their three-Test South African challenge which begins in Centurion on Sunday. He is also aware that India have yet to win a series in South Africa. "I believe India have a window to break that losing sequence if they utilise their pace department well," Henry said from Cape Town. He didn't sound too optimistic about the visitors' batting unit which has lost Rohit Sharma through injury. With Ajinkya Rahane woefully short of runs and one-drop Cheteshwar Pujara just not getting the big scores he is known for, India's batting doesn't look awesome.
"Rohit not being there is a big factor. He's been their most prolific of run-getters for a while, so make no mistake, there will be pressure on Kohli. He will be tested as a batsman and captain," said Henry, a former chief selector.
However, the off-field dramas won't have a bearing on the team, he felt.
"Dravid the coach and the leader in Kohli should able to able to put all of that behind and concentrate on this important assignment. You are playing for your country. Nothing is bigger and personal issues have to come second," stressed Henry, who participated in the first-ever India v South Africa Test series in the Rainbow Nation in 1992-93.
The pitches will undoubtedly be a challenge. "They generally leave some grass at Centurion Park and it will be quick at the Wanderers, so the bowlers will get movement. Things ease out after the first hour or two in Cape Town (the venue of the third Test) so you can expect Newlands to be fine for the batsmen.
"It will be very interesting to see how this series unfolds. Visits by India always bring about excitement, but it's a pity about no spectators being allowed," Henry said.
