The upcoming Test series in England presents a significant opportunity for the young Indian cricket team to showcase their talent and achieve something special, according to South African legend AB de Villiers. With the series set to commence next month, all eyes are on the new-look squad led by the 25-year-old Shubman Gill, especially given the recent retirements of seasoned campaigners like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravichandran Ashwin.
De Villiers believes that this transition period is the perfect time for the younger generation to step up and take responsibility. He highlighted the immense talent present in India, largely crediting the Indian Premier League (IPL) for providing invaluable exposure to youngsters at an early age. The IPL has become a great platform for Indian cricket, allowing young players to mature quickly and demonstrate their readiness to compete at the highest level.
While acknowledging the tough challenge that awaits the young Indian side in England, De Villiers remains optimistic. He emphasizes the importance of self-belief, stating that if the team can back themselves, they have the potential to achieve something truly special. The conditions in England will undoubtedly test the players' skills and temperament, but with a positive mindset and unwavering confidence, they can overcome the obstacles and emerge victorious.
De Villiers also expressed his satisfaction with the composition of the Indian pace attack. He believes that the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Shardul Thakur, Akash Deep, and Arshdeep Singh form a wonderful bowling lineup capable of taking ten wickets in a Test match, which is crucial for success, especially in English conditions where the home bowlers have a distinct advantage.
However, De Villiers cautioned Shubman Gill and his team about the marathon nature of the five-Test series. He emphasized that it's not just about performing well in one Test match, but rather maintaining consistency and focus over the entire two-to-three-month tour. This requires sound technique, mental fortitude, and the ability to remain relaxed and composed under pressure.
The absence of Virat Kohli in Test cricket will certainly be felt, but De Villiers acknowledged that Kohli has followed his gut feeling and has done a lot for cricket around the world over the years. While his presence will be missed in the Test arena, fans can still look forward to seeing him on the cricket field in other formats.
