Virat Kohli, Kuldeep Yadav and MS Dhoni are three players who pose significant threats to the Proteas as India prepare to take on South Africa at the Rose Bowl on Wednesday, writes KHALID MOHIDIN.
READ: Three key Proteas players
Who wins? Our team makes their picks
Virat Kohli
He is the heart and soul of the India side. If you take out Kohli, you take the advantage in the contest. His influence on those around him is undeniable, and getting him out should be on top of the Proteas’ list. Surprisingly, Kohli does seem to lose his wicket a lot against spin. In ODI cricket he has lost his wicket four times to Suraj Randiv, four times to Graeme Swann. And in Tests, Nathan Lyon has claimed Kohli’s wicket seven times, more than any other player. Tahir could play a key role in targeting the India captain, or perhaps by Aiden Markram, who has had some success at the Rose Bowl recently with his bowling. He has a good record against South Africa, however. In 26 matches he’s averaged 66.78, which includes his second-highest score of 160 not out.
PREDICTING: Starting Proteas XI vs India
Kuldeep Yadav
The Proteas will have nightmares about Yadav. When India toured South Africa in 2018, he took 17 wickets in six ODIs at an average of 13.88 against the hosts. He terrified the Proteas bowlers. His partner in crime was Yuzvendra Chahal, who took 16 wickets at an average of 16.37. They destroyed the Proteas and will no doubt pose a significant threat against them come Wednesday. Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen have been impressive against spin so far this tournament, but question marks still hover over Markram’s ability against spin, especially because of the manner in which he was dismissed against Shakib Al Hasan on Sunday.
MS Dhoni
Although not the captain of the side, Dhoni is a messiah in India. He is well-respected in the game and has gained a reputation to come to the pitch under pressure in the latter stages of an innings and take the game away from his opposition. Even if the Proteas manage to knock down a few wickets early, their hard work won’t be over with Dhoni coming in at No 6. This will be the veteran’s fourth World Cup, and having won it before in 2011 under Gary Kirsten, he will hope he can seal off his international career with one more World Cup trophy. He has an average of 42.25 and a strike rate of 91.18 in 20 World Cup appearances. Being India’s wicketkeeper, he plays a huge role in lifting the spirits of the team, as well as analysing the game. He will be vital to his side’s success in this World Cup campaign.
Photo: Stu Forster/Getty Images
