'Don't see India winning, it's difficult' - Aakash Chopra predicts India-South Africa series scoreline

Former India opener Aakash Chopra feels that India are unlikely to win the upcoming three-Test series against South Africa, starting with the Boxing Day encounter in Centurion. India are yet to win a series in the rainbow nation, having won only three Tests out of the 20 they have played. 

In 2018, India lost the first two Tests of the series before recording a memorable victory in Johannesburg to finish 1-2. In the time elapsed since, India has defeated Australia in Australia twice, while they also lead the five-Test series against England 2-1 currently, with the final Test rescheduled in 2022 after being abandoned earlier on account of Covid-scare in the Indian camp. 

Meanwhile, Chopra reckoned that “it is difficult” for India to win this time around, and that the series is likely to end at level. 

“I don’t see India winning this right now, I mean it is difficult. I would have said 2-1 for South Africa if Nortje was playing. Nortje is not there; I am saying this series can again end at 1-1. There is a chance of a drawn Test match, the first Test could be in slight trouble because of rain,” the former cricketer said while speaking on his YouTube channel.

Chopra did not label South Africa as the overwhelming favourites but gave them a slight edge over India nonetheless. It is going to be interesting but I feel this might be a drawn series. 51% South Africa, 49% India. That’s what I am thinking at this point in time. If any team wins, I feel that will be South Africa.”

I think South Africa are starting to regroup really well: Aakash Chopra

Chopra admitted that even as South Africa have not been at their best of late, they are becoming a team that is gradually picking up pace and getting back to the right ways.

“It is not that South Africa’s team is flying high. I think they are starting to regroup really well. The World Cup has shown that they have the players, where the things are falling in place but it is still a team in transition.”

He further said that unlike South Africa, the Indian team is not in transition. However, to succeed against the Proteas in their den, India will have play to their potential.

“It is not a transition for our team. Our team’s problem is the form and a little bit about availability because Pujara, Kohli and Rahane – these three are there in the middle, Rahul at the top, Pant as a keeper. All this is there but we have the issue of consistency. If we play to our potential, the Indian team’s chances become quite bright.”