Will India field four or maybe even five fast bowlers when they take the field against South Africa in the first Test? This has remained a regular tactic under Virat Kohli outside of subcontinent conditions, confirming Kohli’s image as an aggressive, in-your-face captain. Over the years, India has started producing batteries of fast bowlers- Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma. If India’s new Test vice-captain KL Rahul is to be believed, then this is the strategy to move forward as it reduces the workload on the bowlers.
“I think most teams have started playing four bowlers and every team wants to take 20 wickets and that is the only way you can win a Test match. We have used this strategy and it has helped us in away games. In every Test match we have played away from India, it has helped us. So, with five bowlers the workload becomes a bit easier and when you have that kind of quality, you can use them as well,” KL Rahul said in a virtual press conference.
The last time India came here, they had to face a heavy defeat at Centurion. Rahul said the pitch usually changes nature quickly, starts off slow, then picks up pace before slowing down.
“Even last time we played here the wicket started slow and got faster and then slowed down. And whatever information we have gathered about Centurion’s pitch, yes it has been that kind of pitch. Yes, even the centre-wicket practice, yes we have experienced the same. And we tried to prepare accordingly.”
Hours before the presser, India’s iconic spinner Harbhajan Singh announced his international retirement. Rahul was asked to react to the big news. “Bhajji pa has been one of the greatest spinners of our country and has really supported the youngster; He really welcomed us to the team. So, I would like to wish him all the best for the next chapter of his career. We have some good times, wishing them all the best.”
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