Even though team India have on an unmatched winning streak in all formats of the game, dismal away record is still a concern. The team have never won a Test series in South Africa, a 1-1 draw in the 2011 being their best result. However, now, as Virat Kohli led team is ready to depart Africa for their most challenging tour in recent times, AB De Villiers said that this time around cricket world will witness a stiff competition.
“We know all about Virat Kohli, how determined he is as captain; he’ll definitely come here trying to win and to make history. We are well aware of that and we’ll prepare accordingly. Hopefully play some good cricket in the summer,” de Villiers said.
The right-hand batsman, who was included in South Africa’s squad for the upcoming 4-day pink ball Test series against Zimbabwe, said he is ready to return to the longest format of the game.
“I pride myself on the fact that I can adapt to certain conditions, certain formats. I’ve worked really hard at my game in the last six months. I started off at the end of July facing red balls at the University of Pretoria, getting some technical stuff sorted out and I feel more ready than ever to take it on. I have been working for the last six months to get ready for this,” he said.
The last time de Villiers played Test cricket was against England back in January 2016. His return to the format came just a month before the series against India and he is likely to be included in the squad for the same. In 6 series India has played in South Africa, they have not won single one of them.
The first Test between India and South Africa will start on January 5.
