Johannesburg: After being thrashed in ODI, pace shy India will be aiming to put up a fight in post-Sachin Tendulkar era in Test cricket when they take on the world's number one side South Africa in the two-match series starting here Wednesday.
With this test, commence a new era for India cricket as there will be no Sachin Tendulkar. The Master Blaster bid farewell after playing his 200th Test versus West Indies in Mumbai, in what was an emotional roller-coaster for the entire nation's cricket fans.
Since then, six ODIs have been played against the Windies and here in South Africa. The contrasting results in these two series had taken some focus off the issues emanating from Tendulkar's retirement. Now, they need to be addressed.
The first question to be asked is who will bat at number four? The true realisation of Tendulkar's departure will dawn when a new face comes in to bat at the fall of the second wicket during India's first innings in this Test.
It probably will be Virat Kohli, attempting to fill in the big boots, an unenviable task surely.
It fits the context of this Test series. This is India's first overseas Test in nearly two years, since their tour to Australia in 2011-12.
In 12 Tests at home thereafter, India won nine, lost two and drew one, winning series against New Zealand, Australia and West Indies.
They lost a series to England in between. Most importantly, this long home season ensured the transition with Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman departing the scene.
