Former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis has explained why it is difficult for India batters to play in South African conditions. Du Plessis, speaking ahead of the first Test match between the sides in Centurion has detailed how India batters can do well in the Rainbow Nation.

India have never won a Test series in South Africa. The Rohit Sharma side have taken a strong contingent who could properly challenge the hosts in the 2-match Test series.

“It’s the bounce. There is almost one full hand of extra bounce here, compared to what they usually face in India. They are used to hitting the ball on the up there, but with the bounce on offer and lateral movement, there is additional risk at play if you haven’t done it before and are not used to the lift. The key to doing well in South Africa is to leave well and be there for a long period,” Faf du Plessis told The Indian Express ahead of the series.

India will have Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Jasprit Bumrah back in the side for the first time since the ODI World Cup 2023 Final. The Indian team however, will be missing Mohammed Shami, who was deemed unfit for the series.

Du Plessis detailed that one had to respect the conditions at all times in South Africa and not force the issue, if they wanted to be successful.

“I remember the 2018 series, where they ran us close. They left the ball really well then and that is the key to be a successful Test side in South Africa. You have got to be patient and respect the conditions at all times. You need to have a good plan as to how you play the short balls with the extra bounce and how well you leave them,” du Plessis concluded.