South Africa are no pushovers in their own backyard, but we have got the firepower: Ravi Shastri

The Indian team will start the South Africa tour on December 26 in Centurion. The Indian team, which has not won a series in SA in 29 years, has a great chance to create history. During the last series, India won the first Test match but went on to lose the next two and ultimately lost the series.

India and South Africa have played a total of 20 Test matches in South Africa since 1992 and India has won three of these matches. The first win for India came in the 2006 series under the leadership of Rahul Dravid, who is the current head coach of the team.

Former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri thinks that beating South Africa in its home will not be easy for the Indian team. However, he also believes that the team has players with the potential to upset the proteas.

“South Africa remains an unconquered bastion. Remember, the Proteas are no pushovers in their own backyard, but we have got the firepower and the arsenal to match that. As always, Team India will always have my backing,” Shastri said while speaking to Star Sports about the upcoming series.

Ravi Shastri lauds the Indian captain Virat Kohli

Shastri added that the South Africa tour has come at the right time for the Indian team. He also believes that Virat Kohli is a great leader and has a got a skilled team with him.

“There couldn’t have been a better time for Team India to prove their mettle. Virat (Kohli) has been an impeccable leader and has got a talented team to go along with it,” Shastri said.

South Africa and India will play the second Test at Johannesburg. The third Test is scheduled to be played at Capetown. The two teams will also play a three-match ODI series starting January 19. It will be the first series for Rohit Sharma as full-time captain of the squad.

Rohit was announced the captain of the ODI squad after the selectors decided to have one captain for the limited-overs team. The selectors removed Kohli from the captaincy position. Earlier it was rumored that Kohli would skip the ODI series. But, he has confirmed his availability.