Mantra is in the new ball for India during Test series against South Africa: Irfan Pathan

As India gears up for a thrilling cricketing expedition in South Africa, the anticipation and strategic insights from former cricketers add an extra layer of excitement to the upcoming tour. Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan emphasized the significance of mastering the new ball as the mantra for success in the Test series against South Africa. Pathan delved into the challenges posed by the South African conditions, emphasizing the critical role of both batting and bowling proficiency with the new ball.

With three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Test matches lined up starting from 10^th December, 2023, the Indian cricket team faces a multifaceted challenge in adapting to the diverse conditions of South Africa. These exclusive perspectives from cricketing stalwarts provide a glimpse into the nuanced preparations and expectations surrounding India's tour of South Africa. 

Speaking exclusively to Star Sports, former India cricketer Irfan Pathan spoke on what the Indian teams’ mantra should be for the Test series against South Africa, he said “Look, they have to search for that Mantra, and I think that the Mantra is in the new ball. When you bat and bowl well with the new ball, that is the biggest mantra, that you conquered it, then things will become easier for you. Because in South Africa, the toughest thing to do is bat and facing the new ball.

"I found that last time when we played that and won a test series, when we won against them, the way we bowled in the second and third spell, we were tired as a bowling unit, and our length was a bit short, there was no shine and when we bowled up the pitch to them, I remember the pitch map very well, the balls pitched up were not shining at all, it was just speed. 

"So I think the mantra we need to follow is that for the new ball, but even when we have the old ball, our focus and performance should be at the same level. This is where fitness also comes in, if we want to win these two test matches, I agree that these should have actually been three or four test matches, but it can be of advantage to the Indian side because its two test matches, they can go all in and make their bowling reach a level that in the four innings, we have to take all 40 wickets of the opposition.”