The Indian bowling attack tends to compliment each other: Bishan Singh Bedi

The ultimatum for Virat Kohli and Co. will finally reach the cusp when India will lock horns with the Proteas in the latter’s very well-known home conditions. The hosts are likely to have an advantage of playing in such conditions that support a lot of bounce and provide more assistance to the fast bowlers; an unlikely factor while playing in the sub-continent region. Former Indian cricketer Bishan Singh Bedi feels that the real challenge for the Indian pacers would be how they  manage the heavy workload in overseas conditions.

The Indian bowling attack consists of some talented quicks like Umesh Yadav, Mohammad Shami, Ishant Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah. They also have two world class spinners in their ranks in the form of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. But whether these bowlers are able to adapt and bowl on the right lengths in unknown conditions, will be crucial.

Not sure if they can match Dale Steyn and Co.

Bishan Singh Bedi admitted that he is not sure if the Indian bowling attack can give an even competition to the South African bowlers. He feels that the visitors have a pretty balanced and formidable unit. The former cricketer also mentioned that the real challenge for them would be how they regulate the heavy workload. He added that if the bowlers remain fit throughout the series, they will certainly perform better.

“I am not sure if they [Indian fast bowlers] can match South African pacers. But they are a fairly formidable lot. They compliment each other. The workload is going to be pretty heavy. The real test for them is not to break down. If they stay fit throughout the series, they will do well,” said Bedi, as quoted by International Business Times, India.

I am a big fan of playing six batters: Bedi

The former Indian cricketer believes a lot is going to depend on choosing the right combination for the Test matches and bowlers could be under pressure if skipper Virat Kohli decides to play a specialist batsman in the first Test match against South Africa. The veteran off-spinner stated that he, himself a firm believer of going in with six batters, which includes an all-rounder in overseas conditions. Bishan Singh Bedi said that this line-up can be good and balanced enough for any team and it all depends on the quality of the players in the team.

“If they play four bowlers, the workload is going to so much more for them. I am a firm believer that if the first six batters don’t deliver then the seventh one is not going to deliver. Six batsmen, which includes a solid all-rounder, is good enough for the team,” concluded Bedi.

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