Proteas T20I vice-captain Rassie van der Dussen has emphasized the opportunity for the Proteas to make a statement against India and bounce back from what was a disappointing World Cup campaign.
After performing brilliantly in the green and gold since making his T20I debut 11 months ago against Zimbabwe, Van der Dussen has earned his role as a more senior player in the Proteas set up.
The 30-year-old is confident that his side has put in the necessary hard work during their training camp to beat India in their backyard.
“We have had two very tough training sessions, it’s very hot, very humid. The boys have really worked very hard,” said Van der Dussen on Wednesday.
“We’re playing against India so we know we have to be at our best. We have to put the hard yards in.”
Having played only seven T20Is so far in his career, the fans are looking forward to see how Rassie will respond to the inclusion among the leadership group in this tour.
His first task, as vice-captain, is to support his captain Quinton de Kock, who will too be looking to make a positive start to his first series as skipper.
“Quinton is one of those guys who lead by example. He doesn’t always say a lot, but when he speaks he says really valuable things,” Van der Dussen added.
“Quinny is one of those guys who prefer to lead from the front in terms of action, and everybody respects him for that.
“I think having the leadership band around his arm is just going to bring more out of him. He really wants to do well in India.
“We, as a team, really want to walk away here with a series win. So, everything we do here is gearing towards that.”
De Kock and David Miller will play a very crucial role as senior players in the T20I side.
Miller in particular, with all his experience in the IPL, will have to step up and score big runs for the team.
“Wherever you go you have to look at the conditions and guys who know the conditions. A guy like Quinton and David Miller have played a lot of cricket here,” he continued.
“All of us will look to feed off them and ask a lot of questions about the conditions and the different bowlers. We’re going to use everything we can to our advantage against a really strong Indian side.”
This T20I series is going to be a very tough challenge for the Proteas. India have an almost perfect record at home.
“India is obviously one of the strongest teams in the world in their home conditions. We had a disappointing world cup campaign, so now we have an opportunity to make a really strong statement and bounce back from that.P
