India begin SA tour with first test in Centurian

Centurion, Dec 25:  India head coach Rahul Dravid on Saturday opined that “everybody needs to contribute” in the three-match Test series against South Africa, beginning December 26.
Addressing the media on the eve of the first match, Dravid in a virtual press conference said, “Everybody needs to contribute, it’s not just about one man. Every contribution is important.”
“Be it top seven or lower order, everybody needs to contribute if we want to be competitive. We are not focusing on one or two individuals. All of them have contributed over the years.”
Talking about the team’s preparation, the head coach said, “We had a positive training session this week. Everybody seems to be in a very good head space.”
The series, which is Dravid’s first overseas assignment as chief coach, is part of the 2021-23 ICC World Test Championship (WTC).
“There is a series to win. It’s our first challenge away from home. In larger scheme of things, it’s part of the World Test Championship. We are trying to work towards it,” he said.
When asked about South Africa’s attack, Dravid said the opposition have some proven performers. South Africa will miss the services of Anrich Nortje as the fast bowler was ruled out of the three-match series due to a “persistent injury”.
Dravid added that India have a relatively more experienced attack, with the number of matches played.
He, however, didn’t reveal who will be selected in the playing XI. There are chances that Mohammed Siraj could be picked over the veteran Ishant Sharma, and wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant over Wriddhiman Saha.
“South Africa have a very good attack. Ours is more experienced. They have some proven performers as well. We have to bat very well so that our bowlers can take 20 wickets. We can fight back.
“Right now we don’t want to tell our opponent our final playing XI. I’m just trying to keep players relaxed and calm. There have been few chats about techniques. Everyone is thinking positively.
“It’s never an easy decision to pick (playing XI). Sometimes we have to make the calls. We are not scared to make those calls. We have been having healthy decisions,” he added.
The top-order batters Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara are both suffering from a lean phase. The duo couldn’t perform well against New Zealand in the two-match series. While both remained inconsistent in the first match, Pujara seemed to have regain his form as he scored 47 in the second Test.
India won the two-match Test series against New Zealand by 372 runs in December. On the other hand, South Africa have not played a Test match since their series against West Indies in June-July earlier this year.
“India had done well leading into the first Test. It’s not always easy in bio bubble and covid like situation. We have worked hard and trained well. Our bowlers have run hard. We are ready and prepared. All players have shown the intensity and calmness in the nets.
“It’s a great opportunity whether you are in form or out of form. To have that opportunity and to perform. Players need to step up and put up that performance in opponent’s home conditions.
“It’s obviously a challenge here with the nature of the pitch. Considerably different than what we are used to but the team is quite settled. Most of them have been here before. We have done our best. Now it’s time to show,” he signed off.