CT 2017: Fanie de Villiers believes Anil Kumble will be blamed if India loses against Proteas

Former South African cricketer Fanie de Villiers believes that the South African team has very good chance of toppling the Indian team in their marquee clash on Sunday. The match between India and South Africa is a virtual quarter final with the winner making it to the semi-final and the loser crashing out of the tournament.

Ahead of the big clash, Fanie de Villiers noted that Wayne Parnell is the weakest link in the team at the moment. He believes that if Parnell uses the new ball, team India might benefit from it. He feels that the team management can play a trump card by playing someone like Dwaine Pretorius or Farhaan Behardien.

“Parnell is the weakest point in our team. He is the weakest of them all. If Parnell opens the bowling for South Africa, then it would be a big problem. India would invariably benefit from it. If the Indian batsmen can go out against him and hammer him, then it breaks down the effectiveness of (Kagiso) Rabada and (Morne) Morkel,” said Fanie de Villiers.

“At this stage, South Africa must have another plan. Introducing Farhaan Behardien or Dwaine Pretorius would be good, or even going for two spinners is a better option. That would anyway be a better decision than going on with Parnell,” he added.

On an even competition

Talking about the big game, he believes that both teams will go into the match as evenly matched teams. He cited that had India not lost against Sri Lanka, they would have had an upper hand in the match. Now, with India losing against Sri Lanka, the Proteas will back themselves to beat the Indian side.

“Had India not lost against Sri Lanka, it would have had an edge. But now, it’s an even field. The Indian bowlers could not defend 300-plus runs against Sri Lanka. That means, they are under pressure and that should work in South Africa’s favour,” said Fanie as per the quotes in Sportstarlive.

On Kumble row

In the recent times, there have been reports of tussle between Indian head coach Anil Kumble and the players. Reportedly, Indian skipper Virat Kohli and Kumble have been at loggerheads in the dressing room. Fanie de Villiers fears that if India loses the game, the blame might come down on Anil Kumble.

“Any doubt over the coach doesn’t affect a team’s performance on the field. It may affect slightly in the Tests, but definitely not in the ODIs. Ultimately, your coach is a mobiliser, and it is always difficult for a coach to be more important than the cricketers. But I am afraid, if India loses on Sunday, India would put the blame on Kumble. They would make him an excuse,” conceded de Villiers.