Proteas vary of the visiting Indian team, says skipper Faf du Plessis

After suffering a humiliating series defeat in England, skipper Faf du Plessis reckons their team is wary of the Indian side that will visit them next year. South Africa will next host Bangladesh, which will act as a preparatory for the big series against India, given the Tigers are don’t perform a miracle in the Safari lands.

The mind games have already begun with the skipper Du Plessis and senior batter Hashim Amla openly accepting that this is India’s best chance to win a Test series in South Africa. The skipper believes their team is in a vulnerable state of mind presently and it’s important for all of them to perform well in the T20 Global League that will take place just before the start of this tour.

“India has been winning a lot of matches on foreign soil in the recent past. They have started to make that curve of being one of the best Test teams in the world. There was a time when South Africa would be unbeatable at home but I think India would be a tough team to beat even for us,” said Faf du Plessis.

He believes Indian captain Virat Kohli will pose a huge threat to their ambitions and his bowlers should be ready for a tough task ahead. “Virat Kohli is an aggressive campaigner who leads by example. He sets high standards in all departments. Controlling him will be the key,” He added.

T20 Global League is amazing for our cricket

Talking about the Stellenbosch-based team in the T20 Global League which he will be representing, the 33-year-old said, “It’s amazing for our cricket because players don’t need to look outside. They will be taken care of financially, so this will hopefully go a long way towards keeping them happy. South Africa got a bit late in coming up with its own T20 league.”

Du Plessis will be leading the World XI side that will travel to Pakistan next month. This will embark the comeback of Pakistan as hosts of International cricket. Since the 2009 Terror attacks on Sri Lankan cricketers, no country’s board or government has permitted its cricketers to travel to the subcontinental country. But Du Plessis says he’s happy for Pakistan fans and both country boards have done a good job in ensuring proper security will be given to all players.

“There were some apprehensions about travelling to Pakistan due to security issues. But everthing has been taken care of. It is exciting for Pakistan to see international cricketers converging there for such games,” he concluded.