Gavaskar’s optimism for India’s chances in the upcoming Test series against South Africa stems from their past missed opportunity in 2018

India is scheduled to play two Test matches against South Africa, with the series commencing with the Boxing Day game on December 26th.

The excerpt you provided reflects the historical challenge India has faced in winning Test series in South Africa. Despite the success in conquering Australia under Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane, South Africa remains a significant hurdle for Indian cricket.

The narrative points to the enduring quest for success in South Africa, often referred to as the team’s “final frontier.” The upcoming Test series holds the potential to rewrite this narrative and achieve a historic victory for India in South Africa. Whether Sunil Gavaskar will witness India overcoming this final frontier will depend on the team’s performance in the impending series.

It seems that the Test series between India and South Africa consists of two matches, with the Boxing Day Test scheduled for December 26 and the New Year’s Test set to begin on January 3.

This series will follow a three-match ODI series between the two teams. The Boxing Day Test and the New Year’s Test will likely be crucial in determining whether India can achieve success in South Africa, historically considered a challenging cricketing destination.

The upcoming Test series against South Africa will witness the return of key players for India. Captain Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah are set to make a comeback, marking their first appearance since the ODI World Cup final loss last month in Ahmedabad.

The inclusion of Ravichandran Ashwin adds to the team’s bowling strength. Additionally, head coach Rahul Dravid has opted to take a break from the ongoing ODI series to fully focus on preparing the team for the upcoming Test series against South Africa. This highlights the significance and priority placed on the Test format by the coaching staff and players.

Sunil Gavaskar, after India’s convincing eight-wicket victory against South Africa in the opening ODI, expressed optimism about India’s chances of securing their maiden Test series win in South Africa. Gavaskar’s response began with a resounding “yes.”

He pointed out that with key South African bowlers like Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada missing from the series, India would have the opportunity to post substantial totals of 40 or more with relative ease.

This assessment reflects Gavaskar’s confidence in India’s batting prowess and the potential advantage posed by the absence of certain key opposition bowlers.

Sunil Gavaskar, in a conversation on Star Sports, reiterated his confidence in India’s chances for a maiden Test series win in South Africa. He emphasized the absence of key South African bowlers Anrich Nortje and Kagiso Rabada, stating that this creates an opportunity for the Indian batting lineup to comfortably post scores of 400 or more.

Gavaskar acknowledged the initial challenges, particularly with the shiny red ball and bounce, but emphasized that Test cricket provides five days, allowing the Indian team to adjust and perform well.

He stressed the importance of consistent and substantial scores, suggesting that this approach would give the Indian bowlers ample opportunities to dominate both innings and secure victory.

Sunil Gavaskar acknowledged that India’s best chance of winning a Test series in South Africa was in 2018. However, the series ended 2-1 in favor of the hosts, indicating a missed opportunity for India to secure a historic victory in South Africa.

Sunil Gavaskar believes that the current series presents the best opportunity for India to secure a Test series win in South Africa. Reflecting on the past, he expressed that the 2018 series was when India had the best chance of winning, but they fell short.

Gavaskar emphasized that 2018 was a missed opportunity, and the present series provides another chance for India to achieve success in South Africa.