Mohammad Azharuddin heaps huge praises on Indian pacers

The ultimate battle to establish dominion kicked off earlier today as the numero uno Test team India took on second-placed South Africa at Newlands, Cape Town. The Proteas won the toss and went into bat first. But it was Indian medium-pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar who hogged the limelight. Kumar bowled impeccably claiming three wickets as he sent South Africa’s top order back to the hut single-handedly. The 27-year-old claimed the wickets of Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram, and Hashim Amla reducing the Proteas to a measly 12 for 3.

Speaking about India’s current pace attack, former India skipper Mohammed Azharuddin believes the team has got the pace ammunition to pay South Africa back in the same coin. Azharuddin, who was captain when India played their first Test in South Africa way back in 1992-93, felt the current team stands out when it comes to pace bowling and feels Kohli’s men are well prepared despite not playing a warm-up game.

According to news daily, Mid-Day, Azharuddin was quoted saying, “This is a golden opportunity to play attacking cricket and the reason is very simple – India has a strong pace bowling attack and they have been bowling well. They have worked really hard. I believe the team management has planned things properly to prepare in the best possible manner for the series,” said Azharuddin.

“If they have Dale Steyn, Morne Morkel, and Kagiso Rabada, we’ve got Mohammed Shami, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Ishant Sharma. It will be a very eventful Test match,” added the former skipper.

Lack of pace attack contribute to India’s failure in the past

Despite having one of the best team on paper, the Indian will need to pull something special out of their sack if they have to beat the odds and overturn their woeful history. India has failed to win a Test series in the rainbow nation in the past 25 years, which Azharuddin contributes to the lack of a proper pace attack. But the current Indian team cannot avert such an excuse, especially with the pace laden lineup they feature.

Jasprit Bumrah was handed over his maiden Test debut earlier today. With the likes of Mohammed Shami, Bhuvaneshwar and Bumrah, the Indian team will certainly rely on the pace battery of the team. And today’s performance serves as a testament to that.

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