Test champion Proteas can make history in India, says Philander

Former Proteas new-ball bowler Vernon Philander believes the current Proteas Test squad could become the first Proteas team to beat India in their backyard in almost three decades, given that the likes of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma have retired from Test cricket.

Philander took the new ball in the first Test in 2019 when the then India opening batting duo of Sharma and Mayank Agarwal batted for 82 overs, scoring 317 runs for the opening partnership.

The ‘Surgeon’ was there also when Kohli scored a mammoth 254 in the second Test; and when India won two games by an innings, wrapping up a ruthless 3-0 series victory over South Africa in India. 

However, the likes of Kohli and Sharma have since retired from the longest format of the game, coupled with spin king Ravichandran Ashwin, leaving India’s without their constant talents.

Philander believes that the current Proteas Test group has what it takes to take advantage of the inexperience in India's squad and pull off what would be South Africa’s first series victory in India in almost three decades.

“I think in my time we were up against some world-class spinners. Also, from a batting perspective, they had all the experience in the world, quality players in Kohli, Rohit, and Pujara. So, they could really dominate cricket,” Philander told Independent Newspapers.

“I think those guys really led the way for India back then. Understanding their home conditions afforded them the opportunity to basically bully teams that do tour there because they're so used to not just playing spin, but dominating spin.

“So, no disrespect to the current crop of players, but I think when you go into India and you look at what you're facing and what you're up against, those players that I've just mentioned, you know, you were up against some really good quality players. 

“I think there's certainly an opportunity for South Africa now, given the fact that those players are no longer around. But again, make no mistake, the current crop of India players are just as good because they've put up the numbers on the board."

The Proteas will fancy their chances against this India Test team, but will have to show them respect as the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Rishabh Pant, and Ravindra Jadeja pose a serious threat in the India Test squad.

The opening day of the first Test is set to get underway at 6.00am on Friday at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.