Virat Kohli made India tougher, says former South Africa captain Faf

New Delhi: Former South African cricketers Faf du Plessis and Dale Steyn recalled facing Virat Kohli’s 2018 Indian Test side, describing it as the “hardest-looking Indian team” to tour South Africa.

India braved a treacherous pitch in Johannesburg, where batters from both sides were struck on the body several times, as the visitors went on to secure a famous 63-run victory. Then South Africa opener Dean Elgar was hit on the helmet by a delivery from Jasprit Bumrah and later described the pitch as “dangerous”.

However, the Indian team did not complain to the umpires about the pitch during the second innings, despite taking blows to their bodies. The visitors were ahead in the match, knew a win was possible and eventually secured a hard-fought victory.

Speaking on ESPNcricinfo’s ‘Cricketers on Cricketers’ show, du Plessis and Steyn discussed how the 2018 Indian team was the toughest side they had seen tour South Africa.

“Do you know what I remember from that (2018 South Africa-India) series? The standout from that specific match (Johannesburg 2018) and the series thereafter was that I could see visibly in the Indian team that his leadership made them harder, tougher,” Du Plessis asked Steyn.

“Well, there was always talk about them coming to South Africa and being soft. And I remember that Test match when it was a messy wicket. The one where Dean (Elgar) got hit on the head in Jo’burg. And a lot of their batters got hit, with the ball popping off a length and striking their gloves. And they showed nothing,” Steyn said.

Du Plessis praised the Indian team for showing bravery in that Test, despite discussions about the match being called off because of the dangerous nature of the pitch.

“They didn’t complain to the umpires. And why? Because they were ahead in the Test match. It was the hardest-looking Indian team that I’ve seen come to South Africa. We were like (saying to the umpires), but see, it’s dangerous for them. And they’re like, no, but they’re not complaining. Because we were behind (in the Test), we’re like, but Dean’s getting hit on the (head) – and it’s like, they’re getting hit on the glove. (The umpires said) It’s not that bad if they’re not doing anything (or complaining).

“India won that Test match, and it was because of that. Otherwise, it should have actually been called off. But it was obviously a Virat Kohli thing. (He said), ‘Guys, we’re not gonna step back here. We’re gonna front up’. Also physically, you could see the transition in the different Indian teams. Like, he brought an element of fitness into the team. That also became a visible thing. He probably started it, right?” du Plessis said.