Former India allrounder Irfan Pathan lays blueprint for Rohit Sharma to overcome India's loss in ODI World Cup finals

Around a month after India's shocking loss in the ODI World Cup finals in Ahmedabad, the Men in Blue are ready for the South African challenge. The young T20I team has already reached South Africa and will engage in the second T20I on Tuesday. However, the biggest test for Rohit Sharma-led India will be to win their first-ever Test series in South Africa.

Advertisment

It's worth noting that South Africa is the only major Test-playing nation where India has failed to win a series. The fortress will be at stake for both India and South Africa, as this two-match series will be a key part of the World Test Championship 2025. Ahead of the series, former India allrounder Irfan Pathan spoke about India's prospects in South Africa. He also said that skipper Rohit Sharma is the key to India's success.

"If Rohit Sharma can conquer South Africa, his name will be kept top-most in India's cricket history as captain and player because only he has the key to win both of these matches. He is both an opener and a captain. If you play out the new ball, your other batters will get the chance to shine. That's why you should remove the shine from the new ball," said Pathan.

"He must be preparing hard," says Irfan Pathan

Advertisment

Further, Irfan Pathan expressed the view that Rohit is getting ready in a way reminiscent of his preparation for the England series. Pathan also mentioned that India's reliance during the series will predominantly be on Rohit and Virat Kohli. He said, "He went fully prepared and batted amazingly in the Test series when he went to England."

"I feel you will see Rohit Sharma preparing with the same passion before he goes. Rohit's challenge will be to play out the new ball, score his runs, and take his team forward. We have two big brothers in this team, Rohit and Virat Kohli. There will be a lot of dependency on both of them." Echoing his comments Former South African allrounder Jacques Kallis said that India will depend on Virat Kohli to conquer South Africa.

He said, "I am sure he will want to have a big series here in South Africa. He has been in good form. I think he will play a major role in helping India. If they are to win here, he will have to have a good series," said Kallis. It's worth noting that India will face South Africa in the first test on December 26 in Centurion. The second game will be played on January 3, 2024, in Capetown.