India's real Test will be in South Africa: Mohammad Azharuddin

Former Indian skipper Mohammad Azharuddin feels that even though Sri Lanka will be a challenging opponent, the Indian cricket team’s real test will be their next assignment that is, the two-month long tour of South Africa. Which will be their first major overseas tour in more than a year.

Presently, India are hosting neighbours Sri Lanka, who were beaten across all formats in their own den earlier this year. The Indian team will be playing Sri Lanka for three Tests, three ODIs and T20Is before they board the flight for their gruelling tour to South Africa.

“The Sri Lanka series will be challenging but India’s real test will be against South Africa,” he told reporters on the sidelines of the inaugural Jagmohan Dalmiya Conclave here, as reported by TOI.

The contest against Sri Lanka is not being seen as a challenge by viewers and fans in general as Sri Lanka were no match to India in the last encounter. Sri Lanka did manage to show some heart when they upstaged Pakistan in Abu Dhabi. Despite that, India will step in as firm favourites because of their form and the dominance they’ve shown at home.

Virat is outstanding

Azharuddin also showered praise on India skipper Virat Kohli who is on the verge of surpassing former captain Sourav Ganguly in the number of Test wins. Kohli is still only new to this job, has already led his side to 19 victories in 29 matches.

“He is outstanding. The way he is leading from the front is good to see,” Azhar said. The stylish batsman had a love affair with the Eden Gardens in Kolkata and whenever he batted here he seemed to be possessed by an urge to do well. Azharuddin was part of the invitees as he had captained India in the CAB jubilee year Hero Cup in 1993.

“Whatever I have, when you talk of memories at the Eden, they are only happy ones. I like this ground a lot,” he said.