Ravi Shastri thinks that the next 18 months will define team India's legacy

The scene was set in 1992 as captains Mohammed Azharuddin and Kepler Wessels walked out to the middle, India was taking on South Africa in the ‘Rainbow Nation’. What has transpired through since then has been highly surprising. It has been 25 years and India has not yet managed to win a series in South Africa. India has a dismal record on away tours, the batsmen face problems on quick pitches and the bowlers struggle to pick up 20 wickets in a test.

This time around, everything looks a bit different. From India’s strong bowling attack to a solid batting lineup. Captain fearless Virat Kohli will want to rewrite a gloomy history as his men travel to South Africa. Team India is set to play three tests, six one day internationals and three T20s beginning from 5th January at Newlands in Cape Town.

India registered a record ninth straight series win after the third test in New Delhi which ended on December 6. Team India has been in sublime form but the fact that they have played almost all their games in the subcontinent in 2017 doesn’t impress the fans too much.

Tough conditions, good time?

India’s head coach Ravi Shastri believes that the next 18 months are crucial for the Indian side as it will pretty much determine the legacy of Indian cricket. 2018 will be a tough year for team India as they have four overseas tours scheduled for the year and later. Team India will play South Africa at the beginning of the year and will later travel to England, Australia and New Zealand. “The fact is that players have been together for 4-5 years. That experience will stand them in good stead. Conditions will be tough. The next one-and-a-half years will define the Indian cricket,” Shastri said according to quotes on TOI.

Shastri praised India’s death bowler Bumrah who has been included in India’s Test squad, Shastri said that the Gujarat pacer is one of the best fast bowlers going around in world cricket. “I think Bumrah is very exciting. He has shown how good he is in ODIs and T20Is. He has shown he’s one of the best in the world and has been acknowledged by opponents. I think his confidence level is high and it is a good time to get him in,” Shastri said.

Team India has played 17 Tests against South Africa in South Africa, winning two and losing on eight occasions. Seven Tests ended in draws. The record at home is contrasting to this, India has hosted South Africa in 16 Tests, winning eight and losing five times. Three Tests were drawn.

India’s tour of South Africa will begin on January 5 with a test match at Cape Town and will end after the limited over series in February. Team India will leave for South Africa on 28th December midnight.

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