• Home
  • Who Said What
  • Its Not Rahul Dravid On Indias Chances Vs Sa In Upcoming Test Series

'It’s Not...’: Rahul Dravid On India’s Chances vs SA in Upcoming Test Series

image-lqjrxghnVirat Kohli (L) and Rahul Dravid (R). (PTI)

Despite India's historical struggles in South Africa, head coach Rahul Dravid is optimistic about the touring side, led by Rohit Sharma, finding success in the upcoming two-Test series. The series kicks off with the Boxing Day Test at the Super Sport Park in Centurion. Dravid acknowledged the challenging nature of touring South Africa but emphasized that achieving a positive outcome in the Rainbow Nation is not beyond reach.

The history of Test cricket between India and South Africa dates back almost three decades to 1992 when India toured South Africa for a four-match Test series. However, securing a Test series victory in the Rainbow Nation has remained elusive for the Asian giants. Out of 23 matches played in South Africa, India has managed only four wins, succumbing to defeat in 12 encounters against the Proteas.

Addressing the media after India's training session at the SuperSport Park, Rahul Dravid highlighted some notable batting performances by India in recent outings in South African conditions.

"Statistically it has been one of the toughest countries but we've also put in some good batting performances. It's not that it's been impossible to play here, or difficult to play here. One of the things is that the bounce tends to be more variable than other places. They might not have as much swing as in England, some of the wickets may not have the pace as you have in Australia but it can all be uneven as the game goes on. 

It has proved to be a challenge for the Indian batters over the years but we've also had some good knocks as well. If we play well, we have the experience to do well,"  Rahul Dravid said ahead of the first Test.

After a five-month hiatus from red-ball cricket, Team India is set to face South Africa in the first Test starting on December 26. This match marks the return of captain Rohit Sharma and other senior players like Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah to action since their heartbreaking defeat in the ICC World Cup 2023 final on November 19.

Skipper Temba Bavuma and fast bowling spearhead Kagiso Rabada, on the flip side, have rejoined the Proteas squad after being absent during the white-ball leg.

Over the past five years, India has emerged as one of the top teams globally in Test cricket, securing berths in both editions (2021 and 2023) of the World Test Championship (WTC). Despite their inability to clinch victory in either final, India's continually advancing away record has solidified their reputation as a formidable Test side, currently holding the top spot in the ICC Test Rankings.