NEWS
Follow UsIndia batter Chetershwar Pujara has backed his side's bowlers to deliver as they search for their first-ever series win on South Africa soil. India are yet to win a series in the rainbow nation - a country they have been touring since 1992-93. "Our fast bowlers have been the difference between the two sides whenever we have played abroad," Pujara said.
"If you look at the Australia series, even if you look at the England series, we have done exceptionally well as a bowling unit and I am sure that will be the case even in South Africa. Our fast bowlers are our strength and I hope that they will be able to utilise these conditions and give us 20 wickets in every Test match."
While India played a couple of Tests at home against New Zealand, South Africa, on the other hand, were last seen in action in Test cricket back in June against the West Indies in the Caribbean.
Pujara however does not see that as a major advantage but is just happy that the entire squad was together recently. "The good thing is we played a couple of Test matches in India," Pujara said.
"So most of the guys are in touch, and when it comes to preparation, the support staff has been excellent. They have been supporting us well and we have five or six days more before we head into the first Test.
I am sure there is enough time for us to prepare and guys are looking forward to this series. This is the best opportunity for us to win our first series in South Africa. So all of us are looking forward to it."
The entire series will be played in a bio-secure environment, which Pujara as a silver lining as the players get to spend a lot of time together.
"Sometimes I feel bio-bubble helps the team environment where you end up spending more time with the team players, you are in the team room, you are having more team dinners together, so overall I feel sometimes it helps the team environment but yes, there are some challenges as well," Pujara, India's No. 3 said.
"You are not allowed to go out, you cannot explore the country. So there are restrictions as well but at the same time you are getting to play some cricket and that's the most important thing being a cricketer. We want to play some cricket and we are able to play cricket even in a biosecure bubble, so that helps," he added.
The Virat Kohli-led side will take on the Proteas in a three-match Test series followed by as many ODIs, starting December 26 at Centurion.