'They are used to hitting': Faf du Plessis highlights reason behind India's struggle in South Africa

On Tuesday, December 26, 2023, Team India will commence yet another Test series against South Africa. It has been over 30 years but a Test series win in South Africa has remained elusive. The upcoming affair will bring another opportunity to stop the spree, but the challenging batting conditions may again pose a threat to the ambitions.

3 things you need to know

• India vs South Africa 1st Test to begin on December 26, 2023
• The first Test will take place in Centurion
• India are yet to win a Test series in South Africa

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Faf du Plessis' advice to Team India

The pace and bounce that bowlers often collect at the South African tracks make batting a difficult task in the rainbow nation, and subsequently, scores of 200 to 250 have in the past proven to be winning totals of first innings. In the upcoming series, India will once again face the daunting surface but to attain glory the batters have to deal with come what may.

Veteran South Africa batsman, Faf Du Plessis also highlighted the factor and pointed out what adjustments the Indian batsmen have to make in the series.

"It's the bounce. There is almost one full hand of extra bounce here, compared to what they usually face in India. They are used to hitting the ball on the up there, but with the bounce on offer and lateral movement, there is additional risk at play if you haven’t done it before and are not used to the lift. The key to doing well in South Africa is to leave well and be there for a long period," Faf du Plessis told The Indian Express ahead of the series.

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Golden chance for India

The likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah have joined the squad for the Test series, and with it, the team fashions a formidable outlook. The South African team has over the years experienced transition and on paper the Indian team looks much stronger. Paying heed to the same, many experts see this as the best opportunity for India to script a Test series win in South Africa.