India vs South Africa: Top-5 threats that await Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Co.

As Team India embarks on their three-ODI and two-Test tour of South Africa, NDTV lists out the five biggest threats Mahendra Singh Dhoni and Co. could face in the Rainbow Nation.

1) Can India dodge the 'Steyn' gun?

Dale Steyn is widely accepted as the fiercest fast bowler in the world. The fact that Steyn's best Test figures of 7 for 51 runs have come against India says a lot.

There is no doubt, India's fate will rest hugely on how they dodge the Steyn gun.


2) Protea run-machine Hashim Amla

With six centuries in his last 12 Tests including a triple century, Hashim Amla is a run scoring machine.

No wonder the current South African cricketer of the year, has also been nominated for the ICC Cricketer of the Year and Test Player of the Year awards for the second year running.

What makes matters worse for India is that stats say when Amla faces India his performance improves. In 2012, when Amla was asked about being the best batsman on current form in the world he said, 'I'm not even the second-best batsman in my own team' . While that does say a lot about his modesty, it is also an example of the strength of their side.


3) In-form AB de Villiers

At number 3 is the ODI captain of South Africa and the number-two ranked Test batsman in the world.

AB de Villiers has been in fine form with four centuries in eight Tests and a recent ODI century against Pakistan.


4) India's nemesis Jacques Kallis

Jacques Kallis will like always be the wall in front of India. He may not have a century in his last 39 innings but he does bring out his best against India. Kallis has a Test  average of 55 but against India it goes up to 72.

Add to that his bowling capabilities and you have a veteran looking as dangerous as ever.


5) Swing prince Vernon Philander

He is the prince of swing in South Africa. Vernon Philander struck the Aussies like thunder in his debut Test. He took 5 wickets and Australia were 47 all out.

Since then the 28-year0old has taken 95 wickets in 18 Tests going on to win the 2012 South African Cricketer of the Year award.

India need to be wary because they have never faced him in Test cricket.