Team India captain Shubman Gill underlined the importance of the India vs South Africa Test series starting Friday at Eden Gardens. He said the two-match battle holds major weight in India’s push for a spot in the World Test Championship final. Gill expects a strong contest because South Africa arrive as the defending WTC champions.
Gill believes India must stay disciplined and control key phases across both Tests. He said the team understands the pressure of the format and knows how to manage tough sections during a match.
“I think these two test matches are very important for us to play the WTC finals. South Africa are very good team. They are the reigning champions of the World Test Championship.
We know that it won’t be easy for us. There will be difficult moments. But as a team, we have shown that whenever there are difficult moments, we have handled them very well. And as far as the wicket is concerned, I think it is a typical Indian wicket. It looks like a good wicket and hopefully it will be a good match,” said Gill during the pre-match press conference ahead of the Kolkata Test.
South Africa’s Recent Form Impresses Gill
Gill praised South Africa’s performances in Asian conditions. He said the visitors have shown strong adaptability and resilience on surfaces that usually favour spin and reverse swing.
“It is very difficult when a foreign team comes and plays in Asia, and they are doing well. So, I think that is why they are the reigning champions of WTC. So it will be a good series,” Gill said.
He acknowledged their impressive scoring pattern, which has helped them stay competitive even when bowlers dominate long periods.
Big First-Innings Runs Will Shape the Series
Gill emphasised that heavy totals will decide most sessions. He said India also aim to follow the same approach and push for 350-plus whenever possible.
“But I mean, if you look at their team, batsmen have been posting 300 runs as well regularly on the cards and on a wicket which is assisting the bowlers. If you regularly keep posting 300, 350, your team would always be in the game. So as a team, that’s also what we try to look at. If we can post 350, 400 on the board, you would always be in the driving position,” Gill added.
With India targeting vital WTC points and South Africa confident after recent success, the Kolkata Test promises a competitive start to this crucial series.
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