Top three batsmen are winning a lot of games for India: Graeme Smith

Former South African skipper Graeme Smith feels that the Indian cricket team is well equipped with quality players as they get ready for the big tour of South Africa. Team India does not boast of a brutal record against the Proteas in the South African conditions. They have often faced drubbings on the hard decks. However, the current team looks fitter and better than ever before.

As per the quotes in IBTimes, Graeme Smith pointed out at the Indian top order to be their strong point ahead of the tour. He mentioned that Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli, will hold the aces for the visitors on the much hyped tour. He added that all these players have developed their games from their previous visit to the country. They are all prolific run getters in the current scenario.

“The top three are winning a lot of cricket games. Not only are they consistent, prolific run-getters, they also get it at pace. Each of them has a strike rate of 90 and above. It’s exciting to watch them. This top three will go to South Africa as better players. Since the last tour, they have all grown in stature. Virat had a decent tour [in 2013]. He has got even better. He has gone to the next level. Rohit, I think, is a better player than what he was when he came to South Africa [last time]. Shikhar has improved,” quoted Graeme Smith.

Better players mentally

Speaking on the same note, Graeme Smith further added that the players have not only developed their game physically but have evolved mentally as well. Needless to concede, this is bound to help the national side when they are up against a quality side like South Africa in their own backyard.

“They all go with more experience, they are better players not only mentally, but also technically. If they [India] are to be successful, their top three, both in the Test format and in the one-day format, need to have big tours,” he added further.