Andile Phehlukwayo reckons the Proteas camp have deciphered Chahal-Kuldeep puzzle

South African all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo looked in a destructive mode when he arrived at the crease in Johannesburg ODI. In the recent times, he has made a reputation for himself as a finisher in the side. In the Pink ODI, he mustered an unbeaten 23 off just 5 deliveries to see South Africa home in a hurry. During the course of the ongoing series, the primary concern for the hosts has been their poor show against the Indian spinners.

However, as per the recent quotes in News18, Andile Phehlukwayo feels that the Proteas camp have got a measure of Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal now. He believes that the hosts are well-equipped to play against the wrist spinners now.

“We have a good momentum now from the last game we played. We have come really far that victory because the guys have been working really hard in the nets and we have been very specific about our training (against spin). (In the last game) We were looking to be positive now. We got into good positions and tried to pick the ball, watch the ball and played really straight,” Andile Phehlukwayo quoted.

Andile Phehlukwayo further spoke on how the Proteas team would like to see the Indian middle-order exposed early on in the innings. Over the last four games, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli have done the bulk of the scoring for the Indian side. Coming to Port Elizabeth, a venue where India has never crossed the 200-run mark in ODIs, the Indian batsmen are set to be tested.

“If you take game by game, obviously they’ve been batting really well. It would be really nice to expose their middle order and hopefully see what they can do. At the same time we don’t want to really look too forward. The Proteas’ setup is really positive. We’ve got a good fighting spirit a good culture. It’s never done and out. We’re always looking to fight back. We really are encouraging around the change room. And as I said, we weren’t far away from a victory,” cited Phehlukwayo.

On the game plans

In the previous ODI at Jo’Burg, it was interesting to see Andile Phehlukwayo being promoted ahead of Chris Morris. Revealing the reason behind the same, the all-rounder remarked that it is a part of the plan. If a left handed batsman gets out, another left-handed batsman takes his place. Revealing his personal game plans, Phehlukwayo pointed out that he tries to bowl dot balls against players like MS Dhoni.

“It is a left-hand right-hand thing. If David Miller gets out, I’m a left-hander so I had to go out to keep the combination. I was told to look be really positive, watch the ball and execute my game plans,” mentioned the all-rounder. “When bowling to someone like MS Dhoni, I was just personally trying to hit top of off-stump. Hit a hard length as hard as I can. Try to get a few dot balls,” he added.

On his inspirations

When asked about how he goes about his game, Phehlukwayo noted that he takes inspiration from the likes of Shaun Pollock and Lance Klusener. These Proteas legends were prime examples of quality all-rounder who were very capable against both spin and fast bowling.

“I look up to the greats, Lance Klusener and also Shaun Pollock, who played spin very well. My hopes and dreams are to contribute and try to win a few games. Be positive, contribute on and off the field and be a leader in my own space,” Andile Phehlukwayo concluded.

For the latest cricket news, follow CricTracker.