‘Our fast bowlers are our strength’ – Cheteshwar Pujara backs Team India pacers to perform well in South Africa Tests

Middle-order batter Cheteshwar Pujara reckoned that Team India have the firepower in their bowling department to perform well in the three-match Test series against South Africa. The red-ball matches are scheduled to start on December 26 at the SuperSport Park in Centurion.

In the last 12 months India have won Tests in Australia and England where their pacers punched above their weights. Pujara, who’s a critical member of the Indian Test team, said that the Indian speedsters have the ammunition and the experience to take 20 wickets of the opposition.

I hope they can utilise the conditions, says Cheteshwar Pujara

“Our fast bowlers have been the difference between the sides overall when we have played abroad. If you look at the Australia and England series, we have done exceptionally well as a bowling unit,” Pujara was quoted as saying to the BCCI.

“Our fast bowlers are our strength (in South Africa) and I hope they can utilise the conditions and give us 20 wickets in each test match,” he stated.

“We would not think too much about whether we have the upper hand or not. We will try and stick to our game-plan and our processes, and the things we need to do to be successful in South Africa,” Pujara added.

India have picked six fast bowlers – Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Shardul Thakur, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Siraj and Umesh Yadav – for the Test series against South Africa. Shami and Bumrah wasn’t a part of India’s home Tests against New Zealand.

Back in 2018, India lost their away three-match Test series against the Proteas. Virat Kohli and Co. lost the first two matches to concede the series. However, the visitors won the third Test at the Wanderers in Johannesburg by 63 runs to salvage some pride.

Shami was the joint-highest wicket-taker in the series along with Vernon Philander and Kagiso Rabada. Bumrah also picked up 14 wickets with one five-wicket to his name.

As far as the upcoming series is concerned, Cape Town and Johannesburg will host the other two Tests. India are also scheduled to play three ODIs after the Test matches.