Exclusive: Vernon Philander Tips Proteas for 2-0 as Injury-Hit India Face Must-Win Decider in Guwahati

South Africa is on the cusp of creating history as it sniffs a Test series win in India after 25 years. 

The last was under Hansie Cronje in 2000. The second Test, starting on Saturday in Guwahati, is a must-win for India, after the Eden Gardens loss, and unfortunately, they will be without regular captain Shubman Gill, who is still recovering from a neck injury.

Former South Africa speedster Vernon Philander, who formed a lethal pace trio with Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel until a few years ago, felt this Proteas side is built on trust and unity, and they will be more confident than India going into the decider at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium that is hosting a Test match for the first time. 

“There is so much to like about this South African team at the moment, with the way they have conducted themselves in the past 24 months, and they are also the World Test champions. I don’t think there is one or two players that you can single out when it comes to results, or being influenced by a particular player. In every fixture, it has been someone brand new who put their hand up to get the team across the line.

“The word that comes to my mind is unity. They have built a strong unit that trusts and believes in each other. It also speaks a lot about the captaincy of Temba Bavuma. He trusts his players, and the players trust him,” Philander told Sportsboom.co.za on Friday.

TEMBA BAVUMA, THE LEADER

Philander was all praise for Bavuma's leadership skills. The 35-year-old is yet to taste defeat as a Test captain. He has won 10 out of 11 Test matches as captain, one ended in a draw.

Even as a batter, the right-hander scored three centuries and six fifties in these Test matches, averaging 57. He remained unbeaten on 55 on a difficult batting track in Kolkata last week. 

“Very often, you look at your leaders when the moments are tough. He has been the one player who really stood up and made a difference in crucial times. This team has been going from strength to strength, and they feed off each other’s energies and successes. When a team can celebrate others’ successes, it speaks volumes.”

Bavuma has had his share of injuries, and despite the successful run, he often doesn't get the due recognition. 

“He always seems to be under the microscope whenever he is on the field, but every time he gets an opportunity, he proves himself. I don’t think there are too many agendas when there is an objective for him. He always puts the team first,” said Philander, who retired with 224 Test wickets in 64 outings five years ago.

THE JANSEN FACTOR

Tall left-arm pacer Marco Jansen caused a lot of trouble for the Indian batters in the first Test at Eden Gardens with probing spells (3/35 and 2/15). 

Philander backed him to come good in the second Test, too. 

“He brings something completely different in terms of length and height. He can clock 140 kmph. Given the nature of the Indian surfaces, he could make life difficult with the extra bounce. The batters are accustomed to playing the ball at knee height, and that extra bounce would cause trouble.

“Being a left-armer and having the ability to swing the ball back up front can challenge the batters’ techniques. It is a massive plus for South Africa to have a player like Jansen in the squad,” said Philander, who flaunts a fine record against India - 30 wickets in eight Test matches with one five-for under his belt.

Philander believes the Proteas can make it 2-0. 

“South Africa has more confidence. The Proteas look more settled heading into this match, and I feel they can go out there and create history. Their preparations have been great with the recent success in Pakistan. They have the momentum to make it 2-0.”

Rishabh Pant will lead India in Gill's absence, and it remains to be seen who they draft in as the captain's replacement. It could be Nitish Kumar Reddy, B. Sai Sudharshan or Devdutt Padikkal.