In an insightful revelation, former South Africa cricket team captain Faf du Plessis dissects the reasons behind the struggles faced by Indian batters when contending with the conditions set by the Proteas. As India gears up for a Test series in South Africa, commencing on December 26 in Centurion under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, Faf sheds light on the distinct characteristics of South African pitches, highlighting the heightened bounce as a factor introducing ‘additional risk’ for Indian batsmen.

“It’s the bounce. Here, you encounter almost a full hand’s height of extra bounce compared to the familiar conditions in India. While Indian batsmen are accustomed to playing shots on the up, the combination of increased bounce and lateral movement introduces an additional layer of risk. Success in South Africa lies in mastering the skill of leaving well and maintaining a substantial presence at the crease,”

explains Faf in an exclusive discussion with The Indian Express.

Drawing from past encounters, the former South African skipper imparts valuable advice to Indian batters facing the Proteas’ formidable bowling attack. Reflecting on the closely contested 2018 series, Faf underscores the crucial role of disciplined shot selection, urging Indian batsmen to judiciously leave well-executed deliveries while seizing opportunities presented by poorly bowled balls to accumulate pivotal runs. According to Faf, the key ingredients for success in South Africa involve patience, unwavering respect for prevailing conditions, and a strategic approach to navigating short deliveries with extra bounce.