India batsman Rohit Sharma feels one should not read too much into South Africa’s surprise defeat in a warm-up game on Tuesday and that the Proteas will pose a formidable challenge in the three-match T20 series which starts on Friday as they are “one of the most consistent sides across formats”.
– Bangladesh: Australia staff leave Dhaka with tour in doubt
– Bangladesh: Tour hold due to safety and security concerns
– Elsewhere: Pakistan look to Bilal for variation in UAE
Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s team will take on Faf du Plessis’ South Africans in the opening match of a 72-day tour which starts in Dharamsala with both teams wary of the others’ quality and consistency.
And Sharma feels his team will be on guard against the visitors, despite their shock defeat in New Delhi against India ‘A’.
“I don’t want to read too much into Tuesday’s result. Because every team tries something or the other in warm-up games. It is better that we don’t look too much into it. They are one of the strongest sides, in all formats and not just T20,” Sharma said at the scenic HPCA Stadium.
“It is not only pace. They have got quality spinners too. They will be effective here. It is better to focus on all aspects.”
What the two teams will also be focused on is the World T20, which will be staged in India in five months time. Performances in this series will definitely be taken note of.
“The World Cup is round the corner so we have to make the most out of the T20 games we play from now on. It will be a challenge for them (South Africa) as well, considering they have also not played a lot of T20 internationals,” the right-hander said.
The Mumbai batsman, however, added that the Indians were well prepared for the massive series.
“We have gotten used to the conditions. We have come here early, got into the group. We have practiced really hard the last few days, working on all departments of the game,” he said.
“Plus coming here and playing in such a beautiful venue is wonderful. It is definitely among the top five stadiums in the world. I have not seen anything like this outside India.”
When asked if the familiarity among the players will be a factor, given that many South Africans play regularly in the Indian Premier League, Sharma said one could look at the situation from both sides.
“See honestly all these guys have played in IPL for last 5-6 years. They have faced our bowlers and vice versa. It goes both ways. Both teams are at an advantage and disadvantage. In the end, performance on the day matters.”
