Follow UsIndia have played two series under their new captain, Shubman Gill, and they are yet to taste defeat. They drew 2-2 in England and followed that up with a comprehensive 2-0 win at home against the West Indies.
They now take on defending World Test Champions (WTC) South Africa in a two-Test series, starting November 14 (Friday) in Kolkata. While spin has played a dominant role in India, Gill feels the pacers too will have a say, and as a result, makes selection tough, which he believes is a good problem to have.
“We're really fortunate to have the kind of quality all-rounders we do. All of them have strong batting and bowling records, especially in Indian conditions,” Gill said, speaking in the pre-match press conference ahead of the first Test.
“As a captain, it's always difficult to decide who to leave out — but that's a good problem to have. It makes for an exciting Test ahead. South Africa played really well in their last series, which they drew, and that's why they are the reigning champions. It's going to be a good, competitive series.”
Speaking of the combinations, for India, it would be a toss-up between playing a third seamer or an extra spinner. With Nitish Kumar Reddy released from the squad, it will be a toss-up between Akash Deep and one of Axar Patel or Washington Sundar.
Gill insists that the fast bowlers will have a role to play, especially early in the day and in the latter stages if the ball reverses. "I think generally fast bowlers get a little help in the morning and evening. Whenever we play in India, more or less the spinners decide the game," Gill said.
"The better the quality of the spin attack you have, the better chances you have of winning the match. Even the England series that we played in 2024, the crucial wickets in between were taken by the fast bowlers -- even though the wickets were spin-friendly," said Gill.
"So if you can get the ball reversing, the fast bowlers are always in the game."
Gill is one of those few Indian players who have been playing cricket almost non-stop - from the Asia Cup in the UAE, to white-ball series in Australia, two Tests against the West Indies at home to now, the South Africa series.
He acknowledges that it is all part of the job and it is more of a mental switch than a physical strain. "The challenge is definitely more mental than it is physical," Gill said.
"Bodily, I feel fine. Mentally, it can be challenging at times because the requirements for different formats in different places of the world is different... it's a good challenge and a good learning curve for me."
India will hope to keep the momentum going after a clinical win over the West Indies. However, it will not be easy as the Proteas come into the series at the back of an impressive 1-1 draw against Pakistan