IND vs SA: What should be Team India's 'Mantra' to win Test Series? Irfan Pathan reveals

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Former India player Irfan Pathan has revealed what Team India must do to exert success in Test format in South Africa.

India will take on South Africa in a multiformat series which starts from Sunday (December 10).

After white-ball assignments, team India will also play the Proteas in two Test matches. India's record in South Africa in the Test format hasn't been optimistic as they have never won a Test series in the African country.

As India gears up for a thrilling cricketing expedition in South Africa, the anticipation and strategic insights from former cricketers add an extra layer of excitement to the upcoming tour.

In an exclusive interview with Star Sports, former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan emphasized the significance of mastering the new ball as the mantra for success in the Test series against South Africa. Pathan delved into the challenges posed by the South African conditions, emphasizing the critical role of both batting and bowling proficiency with the new ball.

"Look, they have to search for that Mantra, and I think that the Mantra is in the new ball. When you bat and bowl well with the new ball, that is the biggest mantra, that you conquered it, then things will become easier for you. Because in South Africa, the toughest thing to do is bat and facing the new ball," Pathan said.

The former India player also emphasizes fitness will play a key role in those conditions. But he believes a two-match Test series can be beneficial for the visitors as they won't have to toil for three or four matches in those conditions.

"This is where fitness also comes in, if we want to win these two test matches, I agree that these should have actually been three or four test matches, but it can be of advantage to the Indian side because its two test matches, they can go all in and make their bowling reach a level that in the four innings," he added.