SA experts raise a toast to Team India

India will take confidence from the fact that they have done so well without Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag and Praveen Kumar

SA experts raise a toast to Team India

Shaun Pollock

India will take confidence from the fact that they have done so well without Sachin Tendulkar, Gautam Gambhir, Virender Sehwag and Praveen Kumar. They have all the tools to win the World Cup. Yusuf Pathan has all the makings of going on to become an iconic cricketer.

I'm impressed with Virat Kohli and Yusuf Pathan. Kohli has been the only youngster who has looked at ease against the short stuff. I don't know where India intend to bat him in the World Cup, but he should surely play. Pathan has the ability to clear the ground at ease, and that's a quality very few possess.

Robin Jackman
South Africa could have finished off the series in the third game itself but India showed a lot of character. India beat them mentally. Even in the decider, SA could have won it much earlier, but credit to India for fighting. However, this outcome should have no bearing on the World Cup, where conditions will
be different.

Fanie de Villiers
Hashim Amla's form as an opener is the biggest plus point. When he stays at the wicket and bides his time, there are few who can match his ability. Also, he's a top player of off-spin, so will fare well in the World Cup. India are depending a lot on their part-timers, but they'll prove expensive on subcontinent pitches.

Kepler Wessels
Without taking away credit from India, the story of the tour has been SA allowing them back into the contest in crunch situations. Right from the Durban Test, to the ODIs in Jo'burg, Cape Town, and Centurion, we threw it away, really. It also reflects the mental make-up both sides. India have a more balanced, settled side and are high on confidence.

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