Time for next-gen to stake claim

WHEN India toured South Africa in late 2017, it was supposed to be the beginning of something special.

- GOMESH S

A year filled with overseas tours that started in South Africa before going to England and Australia. The likes of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane had been through a similar cycle four years earlier, and were at the peak of their powers as international cricketers. It was their chance to make the most of the chances, having experienced them in the past. However, India came out of it with one win in South Africa, one in England before going on to win their first ever Test series in Australia.

Since that series win in Australia, India have won again Down Under and levelled a Test series in England. South Africa, however, remains the final frontier — the country where they are yet to win a Test series. It was the tagline when they toured two years ago under Kohli and it was the same at the start of the ongoing series under Rohit. And it would still be the same as they are set to take the field in Cape Town on Wednesday. They have missed their chance at making a mark in the Rainbow Nation, not just this time but during their last three tours. It was their best chance to do so with the experience of the proven match-winners and the potent pace attack they had developed. The final frontier remains unconquered.