Sunil Joshi reveals who will be the key pace bowler in South Africa

According to former Indian left-arm spinner Sunil Joshi, there are two key things which the Virat Kohli-led India need to do in order to create history in South Africa in the three-Test. 47-year-old Joshi, who played 15 Tests and 69 ODIs for the national team, shared his views on India’s tour South Africa on Thursday (December 28).

Joshi is currently with the Bangladesh team as the spin bowling consultant. He thinks the bowling department, especially the pacers have to come good for the team to succeed in winning the Test series in a country they’ve never found success before.

The touring Indian pace battery is being termed as the best the side has had in a long time. Comprising of Ishant Sharma, Mohammad Shami, Umesh Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Hardik Pandya filling in with a few overs regularly, the team is spoiled for choices.

This time, even limited-overs specialist Jasprit Bumrah has got the Test call-up, giving the management plenty to choose from. Among these, Joshi places his trust on Umesh and Shami in particular because they can be threatening if they are able to find something in the pitch for them.

Umesh will be tougher to negotiate

On being asked which fast bowler could be the key to India, Josh said, “It is difficult. If Mohammed Shami is fit, he is my man. If Shami has fitness issues then I would go with Umesh Yadav. He is very strong and bowled well for Vidarbha recently in the Ranji Trophy semi-final (against Karnataka). Shami also played the semis for Bengal against Delhi. I watched both games.”

“Considering the past track record, Umesh will be much more harder to negotiate for South Africa batsmen because of his pace and bounce. If Shami stays fit entire series, he will definitely be the key. Spinners too have to contribute. The bowlers have to deliver against the best sides,” as reported exclusively by IBT.

The first Test between India and the Proteas starts on January 5 in Cape Town. The 17-member squad left Mumbai earlier today. The Tests will be followed by six ODIs and three T20Is.

Complete coverage of the South Africa vs India series on CricTracker.