The Proteas need Quinton de Kock to be at his very best if they are to have any shot of competing against India.
The weapon of choice for Virat Kohli when it comes to combating the attacking left-hander is likely to be off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin.
Even in South African conditions, Ashwin was able to get the better of de Kock more often than not during the 2018 series. De Kock has struggled against off-spin and Ashwin is perhaps the best exponent of the art in the world.
De Kock has quick enough hands to punish spin bowling, even on the subcontinent but Ashwin’s incredible bag of tricks might keep him from cashing in.
The Proteas are going to need runs from De Kock and the lower order because India bat incredibly deep. Ravindra Jadeja’s excellent recent form will be just another concern for a Proteas team headed to India as underdogs.
India are unlikely to roll out raging turners for a series against a team that has a poor recent record in Asia. The tracks will be expected to take turn but a repeat of the Proteas last visit to India is unlikely.
The new backroom staff face an incredible task to put out a Proteas team that looks like it is making progress in the Test arena. The Proteas could trial several new batsmen in their middle order, but you can bet your bottom dollar De Kock will be called on to do plenty of work with the willow.
The key for de Kock might not be as much about the speed of his hands as the movement of his feet. De Kock has developed a habit of playing lazy drives against off-spin, while also struggling to judge the flight of the ball. In India, Ashwin will have the edge but De Kock needs to remain positive.
South Africa’s batting has occasionally been able to assert itself in Test cricket in recent times but what they haven’t been able to do is soak up pressure.
De Kock is the man you would want leading a counterattack in India will his experience of conditions and ability to keep the scoreboard moving.
As the Proteas seek to blood younger players, so De Kock becomes more critical to the side. The wicketkeeper-batsman is now an established senior member of the team and his performances will set the tone for those coming into the Proteas fold.
For the Proteas to do well in India De Kock will need to get on top of Ashwin.
Written by James Richardson for Hollywoodbets.
