Former Proteas player Farhaan Behardien encouraged the current squad not to panic when they will be taking Indian in home soil.
The last time when this two nations meet it was early on this year during the T20 series, where Indian immaged as the Champions.
This time around they will be competing in the upcoming T20 International (T20Is) series. The are good news for Proteas ahead of the series.
The good news is that India will be playing those series without their well experienced players such as Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma whom have retired.
The first schedule is set to take place tomorrow (Friday) in Durban and Proteas will also miss the service of Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Quinton de Kock and Anrich Nortje.
Out of 15 players selected for Friday schedule, six of the players are under the of 25 and that might give India upper hand.
On his interview Behardien emphasized that the players should not allow their nerve to control them and they must take the fixture as if they are playing with any other country.
He said “(Playing against India) is no different to playing against any other nation. I don’t think we felt that the occasion was any bigger.
“When you’re representing your country, whether you’re playing Australia, New Zealand or England, it doesn’t matter. I don’t think there was any difference when you’re playing against them.
“Yes, the grounds might be full, but a lot of the guys have played in the IPL and in World Cups which means the occasion is no different. It’s just another day.”
The first two opening fixture will be held in Durban then the other two remaining fixtures will take place in Centurion and Johannesburg.
He went on to emphasize that gone are those days where home team advantage because the game has evolved.
He said “I think in today’s game, it doesn’t even matter where you play. The batters hit big, and the ball gets hit further.
“I don’t think the highveld versus coastal conditions matter anymore in this day and age. The bats are different, the guys are stronger and fitter.
“I just think there might be a couple of extra spinners in Durban and PE, and then in Joburg and Pretoria, there might be an extra seamer.
“But India always plays with two spinners no matter where they go, that’s just their armour and how they operate.”
BY LUCKY SEANEGO
