South Africa’s return and VRV Singh

On a cold December afternoon, we came to the picturesque Zakir Hussein Rose Garden in Chandigarh. When the locals strolled in the afternoon and soaked in the winter sun, we found the former Indian fast bowler VRV Singh out for a run.

We started talking at the end of his run, and our conversation went back to the Indian cricket team and its tour in South Africa. It is also reminiscent of the 2006-07 test series, where the touring India team won the first test, where a solid final stand between Sourav Ganguly and VRV proved to be the key.

The test began on December 15, 2006, bringing a new dimension to Indian cricket. “Yaar, 15 saal ho gaye……purani baatein yaad aa gaya……“VRV starts.

India has lost the ODI series 4-0, so there is no best assembly. But before the test match, it won a tour in Potchefstroom, which increased the confidence that nothing was lost. Therefore, under the leadership of captain Rahul Dravid (Rahul Dravid), India took a lot of expectations to participate in the Johannesburg game, and have a dream-to win the first ever test match in the Rainbow Country.

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“I was 22 years old and I was still very new to this organization. Although I have been in this team for a few months and played against the West Indies and England, it was still early days,” VRV said. “We know that we have never won a test match in South Africa, so the team has high hopes. We know that this is our chance…”

Due to bad weather, the game was postponed. After winning the throw, Dravid chose to hit the ball first. Under seam conditions, before Sachin Tendulkar and Dravid formed a 69-run league, the South African fast bowler quickly narrowed India to 14-2. But the two left shortly after reaching 100 points in India, and now the focus is on Ganguly, who returned to the team nearly 10 months later.

However, before VRV came in as the last to join Ganguly, South Africa had scored five wickets in 49 games.

“It must be a tense moment. Facing South Africa’s pace quartet is a difficult task. I am not the best batsman, so it is harder. But when I walked in, Dada [Ganguly] Tell me, “‘Play your natural game'”, I should play freely…,” VRV recalled.

Although Ganguly’s words comforted him, VRV still remembered what Tendulkar told him before he walked in and hit the ball.

“Pudge Tell me, if I can add 20-25 points, then this will help our bowlers defend more points, which actually motivates me.

“I walked in and Dada made sure that I didn’t feel like I had left the area. He is an experienced candidate, so when such a player improves your morale, you know you have to stick to it. I did just that. Yes. I just support myself and stay in the crease…”

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He contributed 29 points, which helped India add a crucial 44 points to the last wicket. “We walked back to the locker room and everyone was satisfied with our efforts. We had a positive atmosphere and we began to believe that we were in the game…”

However, 249 does not seem to be a convincing total. “We know we have to bowl well. Zach [Zaheer Khan] Sri [Sreesanth] The beautiful bowling ball brings us back to the game. What makes us unbelievable is that South Africa has been tied for 84 games… We feel we are back in power…”

Now, India has achieved a 165-point lead and set a goal of 402 points for South Africa. This is a partnership between Laxman and Zaheer. With the Indian team winning the game with a 123 points advantage, the South African team collapsed again while chasing the total score. Although the team lost the next two games and eventually lost the series, Johannesburg’s victory was very special.

“This gives us enough confidence,” VRV said. He is not expected to participate in that test, but five wickets in the tournament gave him this opportunity.

“I bowled very well at the time and got the wicket. So, when an opportunity came, I took it. That game was very special and it was a great learning experience.”

As the current Indian team prepares for the South Africa Tour starting on December 26th, VRV believes that it is a strong team with all the firepower that can break the bad luck of never winning a test series in South Africa.

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“The way we beat Australia and tame England, I think it is enough to show how much we have improved as a team. There are so many types in this area, and there is a lot of talent pool, which provides a lot of options for the team management. If Player A If it fails to deliver, then you have someone else. If this fails, you have a third option, so there are many options. For team management, this is a very headache. “Five five for India The VRV of the test and several ODI said.

Now, as a coach, VRV understands that the absence of Rohit Sharma may be a blow to the team, but he is optimistic about the outstanding performance of Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane.

“Pujara and Rahane’s experience will be useful to the team, and with Virat’s company, the depth of the shot is very large. There is Shreyas [Iyer], Mayank Agarwal and so many talented players, so the team looks very balanced. “

In the bowling sector, India also has a mix of young people and experience. “Siraji [Mohammad Siraj] Shadu [Thakur] The performance in Australia is very good. I believe Siraj has performed well in various situations, so I have great expectations for his performance in South Africa.The fact of Ishant [Sharma], Mohamed Shamihe [Jasprit] Bumrah, young people can learn a thing or two from them. This is a very good unit and has the potential to win the test series,” VRV said.

After being there, VRV understands that the first days may be a challenge for players touring South Africa for the first time.

“The players should know that they have played enough cricket, so they should support themselves and go with the flow,” VRV said, repeating what Indian cricket Dada once told him-“Play your natural game. “