'It’s our golden opportunity' - Saba Karim backs India to win maiden Test series in South Africa

Team India has landed in South Africa for three Tests and as many ODIs, and expectations are sky high from them. The rainbow nation is the only country where India is yet to record a Test series win. Hence, Virat Kohli’s men would be charged up to defy the history against the Proteas team. Meanwhile, the action gets underway with the Boxing Day Test, getting underway on December 26 at the SuperSport Park in Centurion.

Speaking of history, India have played 7 Test series in South Africa and the hosts walked away with victories on six occasions. The two-match affair in 2010-11 ended in a draw; when South Africa leveled the series after MS Dhoni’s men registered an 87-run victory in Durban. However, Team India have been on a roll lately and are touted favorites for this series.

India will win either 2-0 or 2-1 in Tests

After all, India defeated Australia 2-1 in the Test series down under earlier this year and were 2-1 up in the inconclusive Test series in England. As the Proteas side hasn’t done too well in recent times, India must back themselves to emerge victorious. Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Saba Karim also backed India to script history in South Africa.

“Either 2-0 or 2-1 (in Tests). In ODI we are anyway a far superior side,” said Karim in a conversation with Sports Tiger. The former BCCI selector reckons that the kind of bench strength India possess along with an experienced set-up makes them clear favorites to walk away with the series triumph.

“It is immensely strong (bench strength) and proof of that was shown by them in Australia. We won the fourth Test without I think five or six of our regular players. That shows the kind of strength that India have got in our reserves,” added Karim.

“And I expect the same this time around and it is our golden opportunity for us as well have an experienced set up. Plus we have some potentially exciting youngsters who are coming through to the team. It will be an ideal combination for us to do well in South Africa,” he further explained.