The build up for the much-anticipated India-South Africa series is gradually gaining momentum. India host South Africa for 3 T20Is, 5 ODIs and 4 Test matches, which will provide cricket fans with unlimited action for two months, starting 2 October.
With South Africa and India being two heavyweights of world cricket, the series promises to be full of entertainment. Both sides have got some big players in their ranks, making the contest even more interesting.
Former South Africa all-rounder Lance Klusener is happy with the team composition of his country, as most of the Proteas players have decent experience of playing in India.
"It's probably the best combination we could put together. This squad has quite a few players who have the experience of playing in India, be it on earlier tours or the IPL," Klusener told The Times of India in an interview.
Though Indian pitches are going to assist the spinners more, South Africa have a great seam bowling attack with Dale Steyn, who has been tormenting batsmen all around the world, being the number one bowler for the visitors.
"We have a solid seam-bowling attack with the likes of Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel and Vernon Philander, who have done well in all conditions in recent years. Steyn and Morkel have been to India many times before and know the conditions well. That for me is quite important," said Klusener.
But the former South African all-rounder is aware the threat the Indian batsmen will pose to the Proteas during the series, especially Virat Kohli. An interesting contest which will be on the cards is Kohli vs Steyn.
"As a batsman, he is one of the best in the world. I am certain the South African team management is going to have him in mind when planning their attack. India are lucky to have someone like Kohli coming through the ranks and doing so well over the years," said the all rounder.
The South African bowlers need to be on top of their game when they bowl to the India Test captain, who has been his country's key batsman in the last few years. But, there are other batsmen for India such as Ajinkya Rahane and Shikhar Dhawan, who are also going to be crucial.
If India have Kohli, South Africa have AB de Villiers. Can the contest get any bigger?
Apart from de Villiers, they have run-machine Hashim Amla and the ever so crucial all-rounder – especially in Indian conditions – JP Duminy.
The Indian speedsters – Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav -- who performed excellently during the Sri Lanka series, need to show similar form against the strong batting lineup of South Africa.
Despite recent successes of the Indian bowlers, Klusener believes South Africa bowlers hold an edge over Indian speedsters.
"They are looking solid and have tasted success of late. Even though the Indian seam bowling attack has been successful in the recent past, I would still like to believe that the South African [fast bowling) attack does have a lot of experience and should hold the edge," added Klusener.
