Having done well in England & Australia will give us confidence against South Africa: Cheteshwar Pujara

India and South Africa are slated to lock horns with each other in a three-match Test series commencing on December 26, 2021 which will be followed by a three-match ODI series. 

Talking about the team and the preparations, Test specialist Cheteshwar Pujara said that the Indian team is an experienced one and the players know what is expected from them. 

“Most of the players have played in South Africa, we are an experienced side and we know what is expected from us,” he said on BCCI.tv.

India have played some good cricket in England and Australia in the recent past and Pujara insisted that the players will be riding high on confidence after the way they fared in those overseas conditions. 

“Having done well in England and Australia will make a big, big difference in this squad’s confidence and set belief that we can win overseas and in any condition. I’m very confident that we have the capability to win a series in South Africa considering the batting and bowling line up that we have,” Pujara said. 

Talking about the South African bowling line up, the right-hander said that the Proteas have one of the most lethal units especially in the home conditions and it’s going to be challenging to negotiate them.

“Most of the teams play well in their home conditions and it's the same with the South African team. They are one of the best bowling line ups and facing them in South Africa is always challenging.”

India would be without the services of the new Test vice captain Rohit Sharma and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja due to injuries. KL Rahul was named Virat Kohli’s deputy for the series in Sharma’s absence.