Explosive West Indies opener Chris Gayle believes that India have a chance to win the Test series against South Africa starting in Mohali from Thursday. The visitors have begun on a strong note, clinching the T20 and the ODI series in style.
“Never mind what happened in the T20s and ODIs. India can bounce back in the Test series. India are very difficult to beat on home soil. These are two competitive teams and it’s going to be a difficult Test series,” Gayle told this paper here on Monday.
“South Africa have won the ODI series and are high on confidence. India has also performed well, and will pose a tough challenge to South Africa. India will be hungry to get back to winning ways. We just have to wait and watch,” he added.
The 36-year-old felt that playing the Indian Premier League made the South Africans aware of Indian conditions and the visitors were using their knowledge to the fullest during their trip.
“Yes, they have played a lot of cricket here courtesy the IPL. They know the conditions well. I think so, they feel like at home. South African players are a regular in the IPL, especially their bowlers.
“They know how to bowl on Indian wickets. They know their opponents, so that part will certainly help them. I believe the first session and the first day will hold the key for both teams,” agreed the Caribbean blaster, who turned out for the Royal Bangalore Challengers in 2015.
On Virat Kohli’s captaincy, Gayle said, “He has credentials behind him as a captain. He has won many matches for India. I have played under his captaincy for the RCB. He is a good leader. It will be a challenging series for him.”
Gayle was all praise for star Proteas batsman AB de Villiers, who has been in destructive form and scored a superb century in the fifth and final one-dayer to help South Africa post a massive 438/4. Gayle felt that the right-hander was arguably the best batsman in world cricket presently.
“He is very destructive. He is a class player in all three formats of the game. It’s not all about power, but timing as well.
“I may be stronger, but AB can also hit the ball a long way. His strike rate can be better than mine. He can hit the slog sweeps, reverse sweeps, he can do it all.”
