India's head coach, Rahul Dravid, has issued a challenge to every player ahead of the extended tour of South Africa, urging them to make match-winning contributions throughout the series. The tour includes a three-match T20I series, a three-match ODI series, and a two-match Test series, commencing on Sunday. Suryakumar Yadav is set to lead the Indian side in the first T20 match at Durban.
Dravid, aware of the challenges presented by South African pitches, emphasized the need for batters to devise a game plan for responsible batting. He acknowledged that these pitches, especially in Centurion and Johannesburg, tend to be difficult to bat on, with varying bounce and movement.
Highlighting the importance of mental toughness over physical strength in playing on the African continent, Dravid stated, "We don’t expect everyone to play in the same way. We want them to be very clear about what works for them, and then be able to execute that. The boys, once they get out there, a lot of it is mental, and I guess, you know, we try and stress on the fact that if we do get going, if we get the opportunity to get set, they try to make it a match-winning contribution."
Dravid's emphasis on each player contributing significantly aligns with the team's goal of achieving success in South Africa. The tour will culminate in a two-match Test series starting on December 26, and India aims to overcome historical challenges, having never won an away Test series against South Africa.
(With Agency Inputs)
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