Faf du Plessis identifies India’s primary vulnerability in South Africa as “it’s the bounce.”

At SuperSport Park in Centurion on Tuesday, December 26, Team India will play the opening test of the two-match series against South Africa. After winning the toss, India was invited to bat first by South Africa’s captain, Temba Bavuma. India, who have made eight attempts to win a Test series in South Africa, will be keen to do so in the current series.

Faf du Plessis, a former captain of South Africa whose team led the Proteas to a 2-1 victory over India in 2017–18, recently revealed the reason for India’s lack of series victories in the rainbow nation. Du Plessis brought attention to India’s problems in South Africa by saying that their hitters are not acclimated to the extra bounce in the country.

“It’s the spring. Comparing this to what they often experience in India, there is nearly a full hand’s worth of extra bounce. Although they are accustomed to hitting the ball up there, there is an added element of risk if you have never done it before and are not accustomed to the lift because of the bounce that is offered and the lateral movement. Being in South Africa’s for a long time and leaving properly are the keys to success, Faf du Plessis told The Indian Express.

The 39-year-old went on to discuss the 2017–18 series between the two teams and stated that leaving the ball well and exercising patience are essential for success in South Africa.

You must exercise patience and adhere to the rules: Faf du Plessis

“They really got us in the 2018 series, as I recall. Their ability to leave the ball well at that point was crucial to their success as a Test team in South Africa. In all instances, you must exercise patience and respect the circumstances. The way you play the short balls with the extra bounce and how well you leave them needs to be well thought out,” he continued.

Remarkably, since the MS Dhoni-led team concluded the three-match series with a 1-1 result in 2011, India has only drawn one series in South Africa. In the forthcoming series, the team led by Rohit Sharma will be keen to finally cross their last obstacle.