Review of Indian Test squads of South Africa-tour: 2013 vs 2018

The analysis and conclusion

Apart from a few players here and there, the core of the squad has been retained from the one in 2013. However, the players have gathered experienced with the passage of time. Nine players out of 17 in the 2013 squad played less than 10 Tests. However, the same set of players are experienced campaigners now having played a bunch of games in the last four years.

The likes of Murali Vijay, KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan have been going through a rich vein of form and India will be hoping for them to fire on all cylinders. The pace battery of Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav and Bhuvneshwar Kumar also is in great shape. Ashwin and Jadeja have also shown rapid improvement and are current stalwarts of the Indian lineup. Virat Kohli has recently joined the squad after his marriage and reception ceremony.

The skipper will be looking to replicate the stupendous form he displayed during the year. South Africa have recently announced their squad for the Test series. With Dale Steyn and other impact-players in their ranks, the Proteas are set to pose threats to the visitors. India aren’t devoid of fire-power and have every ammunition in their armoury to humble the might of the Proteas.

In their previous tour of South Africa, Indian players have sparked flashes of brilliance, however, couldn’t pounce on them. Resultantly, they slumped to some hefty defeats. Kohli has earned appreciations for his leadership skills. Nevertheless, victories in South Africa are rated highly and an impressive performance in South Africa will be another feather in the hat of Kohli’s illustrious cricketing career.