Team India is on the heels of another tough overseas Test assignment and in a country where they haven’t won a series yet, South Africa. Virat Kohli-led side after beating Australia in Australia and being 2-1 ahead against England, will be hoping for a better show in the rainbow nation in the upcoming three-match Test series, especially from their batsmen.

However, they received a big blow in the form of a hamstring injury to their newly-appointed vice-captain in the longest format, Rohit Sharma. Rohit turned around his Test career as he has been in stupendous form throughout this year smashing a century against England in Chennai and then at the Oval and was the best Indian batsman by a mile on England tour.

Former South Africa spinner Omar Henry reckoned that in Rohit’s absence, there will be pressure on Virat Kohli, not just the captain but also the batsman, especially when he hasn’t been in the best of touches with the willow. 

In an interview with Mid-Day, Henry said, “Rohit not being there is a big factor. He’s been their most prolific of run-getters for a while, so make no mistake, there will be pressure on Kohli. He will be tested as a batsman and captain.

However, the former selector believed that India can break that losing streak in South Africa if they are able to manage their pace bowling resources well.

“I believe India have a window to break that losing sequence if they utilise their pace department well. Dravid the coach and the leader in Kohli should able to able to put all of that behind and concentrate on this important assignment. You are playing for your country. Nothing is bigger and personal issues have to come second,” he said.

In six tours to South Africa since 1992, India have been able to win just three matches – one each in 2006/07, 2010/11 and the latest being in Johannesburg in 2018. The series starts with the Boxing Day Test at SuperSport Park in Centurion.