NEW DELHI: South Africa remain the only major Test playing nation where Team India has not secured a Test series victory in the past 31 years. And if India will be able to breach the Proteas fort this time, skipper Rohit Sharma‘s name will be at the top of India’s cricket history, according to former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan.
The focus of India’s South Africa tour will be on the two-match Test series which will be a part of the World Test Championship.The tour also consists of three T20I and as many ODIs with the first T20I match being washed out in Durban on Sunday.Speaking to Star Sports, Pathan said that if Rohit manages to triumph over South Africa, his name will be etched at the pinnacle of India’s cricket history.
“If Rohit Sharma is able to conquer South Africa, his name will be kept top-most in India’s cricket history as captain and player because only he has the key to win both these matches. He is both an opener and a captain. If you play out the new ball, your other batters will get the chance to shine. That’s why you should remove the shine from the new ball,” said Pathan.
He opined that Rohit is preparing in a manner similar to how he had geared up for the England series. Pathan also added that India’s dependency will be largely around Rohit and Virat Kohli for the series.

“He went fully prepared and batted amazingly in the Test series when he went to England. I feel you will see Rohit Sharma preparing with the same passion before he goes. Rohit’s challenge will be to play out the new ball, score his runs and take his team forward. We have two big brothers in this team, Rohit and Virat Kohli. There will be a lot of dependency on both of them,” Pathan added.
Former South African legend Jacques Kallis also believes that for India to conquer the South African stronghold, they will need to depend on Virat Kohli.
“I am sure he will want to have a big series here in South Africa. He has been in good form. I think he will play a major role in helping India. If they are to win here, he will have to have a good series,” said Kallis.