India vs South Africa 2018: Analysis of Team India's pace pack

India will have their task cut out when they take on South Africa in a three-match Test series away starting January 5. After all the success at home in the last two seasons, Virat Kohli’s men will be eyeing to carry the momentum overseas and produce something special in a country where they are yet to win a Test series.

As compared to the Indian teams of the past that visited South Africa, the current crop of players in the side look like having a realistic chance to achieve something positive. What bodes well for Kohli is his pack of pacers and the attributes they associate themselves with. There is depth and variety among the five pacers selected to play against the Proteas.

The situation they find themselves in is different after a long season at home with just two away tours in between to West Indies and Sri Lanka. The conditions in South Africa are a different prospect altogether and this is just the beginning of a stern test that awaits the side. Tours to England and Australia are lined up as the year progresses.

It will be interesting to see how the pace battery acclimatises to the surroundings there. Kohli had asked for green tops prior to the series against Sri Lanka in order to prepare for this tour. South African pacers gave a glimpse of what is in store for India after sailing past Zimbabwe in under two days. There will be lateral movement and bounce as often seen here and the Indian bowlers will have to step up to cash in on the same.

Here is an analysis of the pacers India have at its disposal and the attributes they carry to provide a challenge for the hosts.

Ishant Sharma:

The senior most of all the bowlers, Ishant has completed 10 years in the international scene. He has visited South Africa twice to play during his career and has the knowledge of what can be in store. Ishant has the capability to bowl at consistent lengths and be economical too. With 79 Tests to his name, he has a decent tally of 226 wickets.

In South Africa, he hasn’t quite lived up to the reputation after picking just 12 wickets in five Tests. Now with all the experience on his side, it is time for him to lead the show.

Umesh Yadav:

Like Ishant, he too toured South Africa in the last two series’, but he did not get a single game. This time the scenario stands differently. Umesh is a tireless workaholic and his ability to break partnerships is a plus. His knack of picking wickets is a positive aspect of his game despite giving away runs at times. His out swingers mixed with a good hold on the bouncer could serve him well.

It will be a big test for him given his last major assignment away was against Australia in 2014-15, where he picked 11 wickets in 3 Tests. Umesh has 99 Test wickets from 36 matches.

Mohammed Shami:

Probably the most versatile bowler in the Indian ranks at the moment. Shami’s ability to move the ball and also bowl yorkers at a nagging pace is something he offers. Like Umesh, he bears pace and can clock consistently over 140 kmph. The Bengal pacer has featured in just 27 Tests so far but has 95 wickets to his name.

Shami has toured Australia, England, South Africa and New Zealand in his career so far. Importantly success in Australia and New Zealand in his last two assignments will do him a world of good.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar:

The 27-year-old has played 19 matches since his debut against Australia back in 2013. With a healthy average and economy, Bhuvi has been a master in swing conditions that we see in England. South African pitches will have more bounce and it helps bowlers who hit the deck hard.

Whether the team management will pick him in the starting line-up remains to be seen. He has been a premier limited-overs bowler for India in the last one year or so. In 19 Tests he has picked 53 wickets.

Jasprit Bumrah:

The youngster has been phenomenal for India like Bhuvi in ODIs and T20Is and has earned a chance to feature in Tests on basis of that. His wide range of variety and mixing up the deliveries so well can be a positive factor for Kohli & Co. His sling action and bowling yorkers have been a strong ammunition at his disposal.

He could be a strong contender to make his debut in Cape Town in the first Test, but a lot depends on how India approach in the conditions there.

Detailed coverage of India’s tour of South Africa, 2018 with match previews, reviews, analysis and more on CricTracker.com.