Three Indian Bowlers to watch out for South Africa vs India Test series

Host South Africa will be looking to start their season on a decent note when they take on India  in the three- match Test series, which will begin from 26^th December at Centurion.

Last time, South Africa managed to win the Test series and retain the Freedom Trophy by beating India in the three matches played in England. In 2018, Faf du Plessis’s South Africa won by a margin of 2-1 in the three- match Test series.

Being dubbed as India’s final frontier, Captain Virat Kohli will be looking to turn things around in South African conditions this season. The visitor has plenty of options in the bowling department to overcome South Africa in their backyard.

Hanuma Vihari, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Priyank Panchal, Rishabh Pant and Jayant Yadav have been included in India’s Test squad for the tour of South Africa. Rohit Sharma has been ruled out of the Test series due to hamstring injury. In the absence of Rohit Sharma, Lokesh Rahul has been named vice-captain for the three-match Test series against South Africa.

So we will look in detail the three bowlers to watch out for India in South Africa vs India Test Series.

Ravichandran Ashwin

India’s premier spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has a bankable performer in the five-day format.

In Test cricket, off-spinner Ravi Ashwin has currently taken 427 wickets in 81 Test matches at an average of 24.12 with thirty five-fors to his name.

Despite doing exceedingly well in Australia, Ravi Ashwin will be looking to make amends for his poor record in South Africa.

In three Test matches played in South Africa, Ashwin has claimed only seven wickets at an average of 46.14 with best figures of 4 for 113.

For this year, Ravichandran is currently leading wicket-taker in Test cricket. In 8 matches played this year, Ashwin has claimed 52 wickets at an average of 16.23 with three five-fors to his name.

Mohammad Shami

Ishant Sharma is the most experienced bowler for India for the tour of South Africa. The 31-year old has been a bankable performer for India in the five-day format for the past couple of years.

In 54 Test matches played for India, Shami has taken 195 wickets at an average of 27.57 and strike-rate of 61.1.  He will be looking to make an impact for India in this upcoming three-match Test series..

In five Tests played in England, Mohammad Shami has claimed 21 wickets at an average of 24.70 with one five-wicket haul to his name.

Given his experience of playing in these conditions, Mohammad Shami will be keen to lead the pace attack for India in this three-match Test series.

Jasprit Bumrah

With Jasprit Bumrah being the premier bowler in overseas conditions, the team management will be hoping that the pacer can deliver the goods in the upcoming Test series against South Africa.

In India last tour of South Africa, Jasprit Bumrah bowled well and claimed 14 wickets in three Test matches at an average of 25.21 with one five-wicket haul to his name.

Overall, Bumrah has played 24 Test matches for India, in which has claimed 101 wickets at an average of 22.79 with a strike rate of 51.40.

The 28-year old will be looking to play an instrumental role for India in this three-match Test series against South Africa.