Ex-Indian Pacer Reckons That Virat Kohli Will Play A Pivotal Role As India’s X-Factor In Test series Against South Africa

December 5, 2023

Former Indian pacer S Sreesanth believes that former Indian skipper Virat Kohli will be ‘X-factor’ for India during the upcoming Test series against South Africa this month.

Despite coming close on a few previous times, India has failed to win a red-ball cricket series in the rainbow nation. With 719 runs in 14 innings, two hundreds, and three fifties, Kohli has been one of India’s most important performers in South Africa. In South Africa, the Indian star has an average of 51.36.

Sreesanth stated in an interview with the Firstpost that as India looks to win a series in the rainbow nation, Kohli will be the X-factor for them. The former bowler believes that the Indian player considers it a personal duty to perform to the highest standard each and every time he walks the field.

“Virat Kohli. Virat loves to keep proving, rather than to anybody but to himself. I think he’s that cricketer who actually plays with that pride and he takes that pride in a very good way, not in an egoistic way. So pride for me, and for Virat also I’m sure it’s like personal responsibility in delivering excellence. So, I will go with Virat and KL Rahul,” said Sreesanth.

Sreesanth also believes that it will be the best opportunity for India to win a Test series in South Africa and feels it will be a ‘dream come true’ for the team.

“I think this is the best opportunity. Since the time South Africa came back into the international scene, this time we do have a great opportunity and a great chance to win a series there which is like a dream come true.

“I would love to see India winning the Test series. It will be like winning the World Cup because winning against South Africa in South Africa is not going to be easy but as the ad says, ‘Mazaa ayeega’,” said Sreesanth.