Former captain Sourav Ganguly today (December 18) spoke about India's chances on their tour to South Africa, starting next month in Cape Town.
India will play three Tests, six ODIs and three T20Is against the Proteas. The opening Test commences on January 5, 2018 in Cape Town.
Ganguly, who is in Pune to watch Bengal versus Delhi Ranji Trophy semi-final, said, India's bowling attack had pace but he did not pass a verdict on whether it is the best or not. He said, "let's wait".
"We will find out if this is the best bowling attack or not. They have got pace for sure. Umesh has pace, Bhuvneshwar is in good form, so let's wait," Ganguly told "PTI" news agency.
India have picked five specialist pacemen in Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ishant Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah. Seam bowling all-rounder Hardik Pandya too is in the squad.
When asked about out of form batsman Ajinkya Rahane, who is also the vice-captain of the team, Ganguly said he is not worried about the Mumbai batsman.
"No, I don't think Ajinkya Rahane's form is a concern as he is a quality player. Virat Kohli, Rahane, Cheteshwar Pujara and Murali Vijay have all been to South Africa. The best thing is that they are going back to South Africa as better players," Ganguly, who is now the president of Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), said.
India Test squad for South Africa series: Virat Kohli (captain), M Vijay, KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane (vice-captain), Rohit Sharma, Wriddhiman Saha (wicketkeeper), R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Parthiv Patel (wicketkeeper), Hardik Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah.
