Most of us, when we start a new project, set targets. When Virat Kohli assumed full charge as the Test skipper in 2015, his ambition was to make his team the best travelling Indian side ever. He even went on to say he wants his team to be known as the ‘best Indian side’ ever.
Indians would win Tests for fun at home, at times even bulldozing top-class sides. But when they landed in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia) countries, more often than not they would be scrambling to save games. There was a win here or there, but never dominance. In fact, before Kohli took charge, India had never won a series in Australia and South Africa.
Kohli, who no more holds charge of the limited-overs side, certainly has exceeded expectations in the long format. He led the country to its first-ever series win in Australia in the 2018-19 series and the Indians followed that up with one of the most famous series wins in modern times when they fought against all odds to down a full-strength Aussies 2-1 exactly a year ago.
Kohli missed the last three Tests of that series Down Under due to paternity leave but there’s no denying that the team that achieved the result was built by him. Now Kohli, already the most successful Indian Test skipper ever and having achieved stuff which no captain before him has, stands on the threshold of another famous landmark — an elusive series win in South Africa.
India are already leading 2-1 up in the truncated series against England — the fifth and final Test of that series which was put off due to Covid and will be played this year — and a win against the battered and bruised Proteans in Johannesburg will perhaps be the crowning jewel in Kohli’s marvellous throne.
If Kohli’s team do end up securing the Freedom Trophy at Wanderers — one of India’s favourite hunting grounds overseas where they have won twice and drawn thrice in five matches — then there’ll be no debate as to which is the best Indian side ever. Statistics are already in favour of the current side.
The primary reason this Indian team is able to achieve such feats is primarily due to a once-in-a-generation pace attack. Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj ran roughshod over the South Africans last match and in all likelihood, the trio will bear their fangs for the second Test.
All three operate differently and the relentless assault — something is seen from Australian, South African and West Indian sides previously — is the primary reason behind opposition sides falling apart.
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Shami torments them with his brilliant seam position and subtle movements, Burmah with his angles and yorkers while Siraj has risen rapidly up the ranks with his raw aggression. Veteran Ishant Sharma, always a bankable pacer, and Umesh Yadav, brilliant when the ball gets old and starts reversing, are there as high-quality back-ups.
The only worry for the Indians is the batting. Yes, someone has stood up and ensured the bowlers have the runs to execute their plans, but it’s time they begin to dominate as well. Opener K L Rahul and Mayank Agarwal have been good but it’s the middle order of Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane that’s the big worry.
South Africa have more worries than India. Following the retirement of some of the finest players of this generation, South Africa are struggling with the transition. While their bowling is still fine, thanks to Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, their batting has struggled on the international stage. Things became worse when Quinton de Kock announced a shock retirement from Test cricket after the first Test.
A high-on-confidence India know South Africa are ripe for the taking. This is perhaps their best chance to create a legacy and they’ll be determined not to squander the glorious opportunity. South Africa, despite being the hosts, have the tough task of stalling the Indian dream.
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