Ravi Shastri's blockbuster verdict says, "Would You Have Beaten South Africa But For This Fellow”
Former head coach of Indian cricket team Ravi Shastri said on Tuesday that the Rohit Sharma-led side has the perfect chance to win their first Test series ever on South African soil because of the absence of a single cricketer. Shastri referenced the brilliant record of former Proteas cricketer Vernon Philander and said that the fact that he is not part of the team automatically gives India an advantage. The fast bowler enjoyed a tremendous run of form against India during his playing career, and in the five Test matches that he played at home, he ended up taking 25 wickets at an average of 18.
During the pre-match show, Shastri said, pointing towards Philander, "This is India's best chance; you know why? Because this bloke is not playing.”
Shastri further added that, "We would have beaten South Africa at least twice when I came here, but for this fellow. We've seen Rabada's record and Ngidi's record. Take a look at his record against India as well. He always gets the important wickets when we don't want one to fall.”