'I see a huge gap between the two teams now' - Ashish Nehra backs India to win the Test series in South Africa

After conquering Australia and England in their own backyards, all eyes were on the current Indian team to win their maiden Test series in South Africa. The Virat Kohli-led team had lost 1-2 to South Africa in 2018 when they visited last time and the expectations were high from India this time around. It has been the best possible start as India managed to breach the fortress of Centurion and has taken a 1-0 decisive lead.

KL Rahul’s century and Mohammad Shami’s fifer in the first innings had immensely changed the game towards India alongside contributions from Mayank Agarwal and Ajinkya Rahane. South Africa clearly missed the services of injured Anrich Nortje and they have faced another big blow now with Quinton De Kock announcing his Test retirement at the age of 29.

The second Test between India and South Africa will start on the 3rd of January at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg and another win could seal the first-ever Test series victory on South African soil.

Problems for SA are deeper with de Kock’s retirement: Ashish Nehra

Ashish Nehra spoke to Cricbuzz in a video interview and he clearly stated about the widening difference in quality between India and South Africa. He noted De Kock’s role in the side as more than a batter and worried about the fact that Dean Elgar might need some experienced hands to support him.

“India will look to continue their work from 2021. I see a huge gap between the two teams now. South Africa has been going through some problems recently, and now the problems for SA are deeper with de Kock’s retirement. He was experienced and a key player in the squad. Dean Elgar would wish that he has senior players around him, and de Kock’s departure is a concern,” said former Indian seamer Ashish Nehra.

Ashish Nehra was also delighted that India had won the first Test with the underperforming middle order of Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Ajinkya Rahane. Virat Kohli played well in both innings but couldn’t convert his starts as he faced the same old problem of chasing wider ones for fancy drives. Cheteshwar Pujara had a Test to forget while Ajinkya Rahane looked a lot more confident in his approach despite not making a big score.

“Too many ifs and buts going on for South Africa at the moment. On the other hand, if you look at India, and the way they won the first contest, things have been good. They managed to win comprehensively even though the middle order of Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Ajinkya Rahane did not fire,” Nehra added.

India ticked most of the boxes in the first Test while South Africa still has lots of work to be done ahead of the second Test.