South Africa have always been dependent on the services of their fast bowlers and why not, when they possess one of the most lethal bowlers in world cricket, Dale Styen. They also have Morne Morkel, Vernon Philander and Kagiso Rabada to support Steyn and crank up pressure on the Indian batsmen.
Hence, South Africa will depend on these bowlers, though, they might have come with three spinners.
Dale Steyn will lead the attack while Imran Tahir with his wrist spin is a major threat especially in Indian conditions where the pitches are conducive to spinners. Dane Piedt and Simon Harmer are the other two spinners, who could play an important role for South Africa in the series.
South Africa's weapon for the series – Pace
While South Africa coach, Russell Domingo, is eager to see how these spinners handle the pressure, he believes their pacers are going to hold the key.
"Although spin is going to be a big factor during the series it is important our seamers start off well. We have got good spinners in our squad. We have the experience of Imran Tahir, we have got two promising spinners in Dane Piedt and Simon Harmer and it will be great experience for them to play against India in these conditions and in high-pressure environments," said Domingo.
"So I am really looking forward to how they play, but like I said, fast bowlers have done the business for us and I expect them to play a big part in these conditions."
IPL experience to come handy for South Africa
With the advent of the IPL, foreign players have been actively participating in the competition, which has helped them develop a great understanding of Indian conditions. A number of South African players such as AB de Villiers, Steyn, Tahir and more have gained huge experience of playing in India via the IPL, which should help them pass some useful tips to youngsters while playing in India.
"I think quite a lot of players have played in Indian condition," said Domingo.
"They play in the IPL so there is familiarity with the conditions so they do have an understanding of what kind of cricket to play in these conditions. We have vastly experienced players, so not worried about the conditions."
Aggressive cricket expected
Though some of the Indian and South African players might be friends off the field, expect them to come out all guns blazing when they are pitted against one another in the series. India have resembled an aggressive unit under the leadership of Virat Kohli in the Test format and Domingo believes both the teams will play some aggressive cricket in the series.
Domingo also wants the series to be played in good spirit, even if there are some feisty characters in both the sides.
"But I can say the series will see be tough and uncompromising and I believe both India and South Africa play their cricket that way. Both have some fiery characters like Steyn, Ishant Sharma but we expect the series to be played in good spirit," added Domingo.
The India-South Africa series, which is expected to be a humdinger of a contest, will start on 2 October with the first T20 match in Dharamsala. India will host South Africa for 3 T20Is, 5 ODIs and 4 Test matches.
