Proteas spinner Keshav Maharaj believes the cricket world is in for a shock when they face India in the first Test in Visakhapatnam.
Maharaj believes South Africa have what it takes to cause an upset in their first ICC Test Championship series, despite hosts and favourites India having big names in their team and SA being in a rebuilding phase.
Maharaj says: “I’m very hopeful of the fact that we will shock a few people at the end of this series.
“We do have in terms of balance - playing big names - an underdog tag [around our neck, but it] can work in your favour when you have nothing to lose.
“I do believe we have a strong chance of winning it.”
Maharaj knows for that to happen there will be a lot of pressure on him to bag wickets.
FAVOURITE: India captain Virat Kohli. Picture: Hamish Blari/EPA.
The pitches in India usually suit spin bowlers.
Of the pressure, Maharaj says: “Obviously there is a lot of expectation when spinners tour the subcontinent.
“When conditions are in your favour you’re expected to strike.
“As long as I’m doing the right things, whatever is written in the stars will happen.”
Day One of the first Test started at 6am on Wednesday, with rain expected to have a big impact on the clash.