It is almost here. The (rather strangely named) Gandhi-Mandela series kicks off on Saturday, October 2, with much at stake for both South Africa and India. While South Africa will be looking to maintain their impressive away record, India will be under pressure to do well before before the home crowds. Before the series kicks off, a look at ten things to watch out for.
1.Dhoni-Kohli relations
The last time a full-strength India played a One Day International series, it was in Bangladesh where they slumped to a shock series defeat. Rumours spread of discord within the team and there was talk that MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli were not on the same page. Though India have made amends with a rare away triumph in Sri Lanka, it will be interesting to see the kind of rapport the two captains share.
2. Rahane’s batting position
There seems to be more chatter on which position Ajinkya Rahane should get in the batting lineup than his batting itself. Though the man himself is ready to bat wherever the team wants him to, it remains to be seen how India uses him against South Africa. Shuffle him around a bit too much and you can be sure that critics will be baying for Ravi Shastri’s blood.
3. Rohit Sharma
Whenever Rohit Sharma turns out for India, there are expectations from him. Especially so this time, after the angry interview he gave where he lambasted the media for “spoiling things for him by giving him the ‘talented’ label”. Sharma impressed in Sri Lanka but Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel’s pace will be a different proposition altogether.
4. The South African bowling attack
South Africa’s bowling attack comprising Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander is by far among the best in the world, combining deadly speed and accuracy with experience. For back-up, they have some exciting youngsters in the form of Kagiso Rabada and Kyle Abbott. Even on unconducive pitches, they can be effective, and India will need to figure out a way to subdue them.
5. Proteas' away record
Unlike most other current international teams, the Proteas have an enviable record – the last time they lost an away Test series was in Sri Lanka in 2006. A lot of those triumphs have come when their backs were to the wall. What this proves is that they are a gritty, tough lot and it is not going to be easy to spoil a record that they are proud of.
6. Split captaincy
This series will also be looked at very closely by those debating the concept of split captaincy. Both teams have different captains for different formats – Kohli and Hashim Amla lead the Test sides while Dhoni and AB De Villiers are in charge for the ODIs. Interestingly, South Africa even have a separate Twenty20 captain: Faf du Plessis. Does having different captains help the side or is it better to keep one one captain for all formats? The jury is still out.
7. The new 'aggressive' India
Especially after the triumph in Lanka, much is being made of the new aggressive nature of India’s gameplay, especially under Kohli and Ravi Shastri. It is worth keeping in mind though that Dhoni’s style of play is far more nuanced and subtle. Will Dhoni change his style around or stick to what has worked for him? Will it be difficult for India to switch back to Dhoni’s style so quickly? Watch this space.
8. The Tahir factor
They say leg-spinners need a lot of heart and if it is one thing Imran Tahir is not lacking in, it is heart. His exuberant celebrations after getting a wicket are a joy to watch. Tahir did splendidly well for South Africa recently, especially in the World Cup. Though he has been preferred for only the ODIs, Tahir has expressed a wish to break into the Test team and in India, he might just get the turning tracks he wants to inspire some magic. And before someone starts with how India are masters at playing spin, it might do to remind them about a time, not too long ago, when they spectacularly imploded against Monty Panesar and Graeme Swann when England toured India.
9. AB De Villiers
When a list which involves South African cricket is being made, AB De Villiers deserves a mention all on his own. Possibly the most entertaining cricketer of his generation, De Villiers has enough experience of playing in India, thanks to his exploits in the Indian Premier League. With such a long series coming up, ABD has more than enough chances to play a few more of those extraordinary shots, which can leave onlookers gasping for breath.
10. The wicket-keepers
Underneath all the hype, there is an interesting sub-text hanging over the wicket-keepers of both teams. While Wriddhiman Saha was the automatic pick for the Tests, question marks are being raised over his place after Naman Ojha’s impressive debut in the last Test in Sri Lanka. On the other side, Quentin de Kock, after an impressive debut, has fallen away a bit. A string of good performances for South Africa A should ensure that he gets the nod for the ODIs and T20s, but he will be hoping that good run in India paves the way for a return in Tests.
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1.Dhoni-Kohli relations
The last time a full-strength India played a One Day International series, it was in Bangladesh where they slumped to a shock series defeat. Rumours spread of discord within the team and there was talk that MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli were not on the same page. Though India have made amends with a rare away triumph in Sri Lanka, it will be interesting to see the kind of rapport the two captains share.
2. Rahane’s batting position
There seems to be more chatter on which position Ajinkya Rahane should get in the batting lineup than his batting itself. Though the man himself is ready to bat wherever the team wants him to, it remains to be seen how India uses him against South Africa. Shuffle him around a bit too much and you can be sure that critics will be baying for Ravi Shastri’s blood.
3. Rohit Sharma
Whenever Rohit Sharma turns out for India, there are expectations from him. Especially so this time, after the angry interview he gave where he lambasted the media for “spoiling things for him by giving him the ‘talented’ label”. Sharma impressed in Sri Lanka but Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel’s pace will be a different proposition altogether.
4. The South African bowling attack
South Africa’s bowling attack comprising Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander is by far among the best in the world, combining deadly speed and accuracy with experience. For back-up, they have some exciting youngsters in the form of Kagiso Rabada and Kyle Abbott. Even on unconducive pitches, they can be effective, and India will need to figure out a way to subdue them.
5. Proteas' away record
Unlike most other current international teams, the Proteas have an enviable record – the last time they lost an away Test series was in Sri Lanka in 2006. A lot of those triumphs have come when their backs were to the wall. What this proves is that they are a gritty, tough lot and it is not going to be easy to spoil a record that they are proud of.
6. Split captaincy
This series will also be looked at very closely by those debating the concept of split captaincy. Both teams have different captains for different formats – Kohli and Hashim Amla lead the Test sides while Dhoni and AB De Villiers are in charge for the ODIs. Interestingly, South Africa even have a separate Twenty20 captain: Faf du Plessis. Does having different captains help the side or is it better to keep one one captain for all formats? The jury is still out.
7. The new 'aggressive' India
Especially after the triumph in Lanka, much is being made of the new aggressive nature of India’s gameplay, especially under Kohli and Ravi Shastri. It is worth keeping in mind though that Dhoni’s style of play is far more nuanced and subtle. Will Dhoni change his style around or stick to what has worked for him? Will it be difficult for India to switch back to Dhoni’s style so quickly? Watch this space.
8. The Tahir factor
They say leg-spinners need a lot of heart and if it is one thing Imran Tahir is not lacking in, it is heart. His exuberant celebrations after getting a wicket are a joy to watch. Tahir did splendidly well for South Africa recently, especially in the World Cup. Though he has been preferred for only the ODIs, Tahir has expressed a wish to break into the Test team and in India, he might just get the turning tracks he wants to inspire some magic. And before someone starts with how India are masters at playing spin, it might do to remind them about a time, not too long ago, when they spectacularly imploded against Monty Panesar and Graeme Swann when England toured India.
9. AB De Villiers
When a list which involves South African cricket is being made, AB De Villiers deserves a mention all on his own. Possibly the most entertaining cricketer of his generation, De Villiers has enough experience of playing in India, thanks to his exploits in the Indian Premier League. With such a long series coming up, ABD has more than enough chances to play a few more of those extraordinary shots, which can leave onlookers gasping for breath.
10. The wicket-keepers
Underneath all the hype, there is an interesting sub-text hanging over the wicket-keepers of both teams. While Wriddhiman Saha was the automatic pick for the Tests, question marks are being raised over his place after Naman Ojha’s impressive debut in the last Test in Sri Lanka. On the other side, Quentin de Kock, after an impressive debut, has fallen away a bit. A string of good performances for South Africa A should ensure that he gets the nod for the ODIs and T20s, but he will be hoping that good run in India paves the way for a return in Tests.
