Internet Desk: Former India skipper Rahul Dravid thinks that Virat Kohli’s World No.1 Test side has a “great chance” of winning their maiden Test series in South Africa which is set to start from Janury 5.
Dravid feels that the current crop of Indian players has all the bases covered for the three-match Test series, but the Men in Blue would only get one warm-up game ahead of their opening game in Cape Town.
“I think we have a great chance this time looking at the depth of the current side,” Dravid said.
“We have got some quality quicks, we have the opportunity of playing the all-rounder (Hardik Pandya) if we need to. We have got quality spinners in Jadeja and Ashwin.
“What also excites me is that all our batsmen have been to South Africa before and they have the experience of 40-50 Tests.
“Having said that, you do need a bit of luck in those conditions, bit of rub of the green. If we get that, I am very confident about our chances,” said Dravid, who is currently coaching the U-19 and India A sides.
India have been playing non-stop cricket since the Champions Trophy and none other than Kohli has complained of not getting enough time to prepare for the South Africa tour due to the ongoing full series against Sri Lanka getting over only on December 24.
Dravid said it will be good to take the extra load off the players’ shoulders.
“Some years are tough (schedule wise) for the team and some are not. There is a lot of pressure on players but that is same for all teams. But it will be nice if we can balance the schedule though it is not an easy job.”
Kohli recently surpassed Dravid to be the second-highest century-maker for India across formats and is only behind the great Sachi Tendulkar.
“The intensity that he brings on the field to inspire his teammates is what stands out for me,” said Dravid when asked what separates Kohli from the others.
The India U-19 squad endured a disastrous campaign in the Asia Cup last month but Dravid chose to look ahead with the World Cup starting in New Zealand from January 13.