- Sachin Tendulkar has said the team would have to be on guard against South Africa in their next Pool B encounter on Sunday
- India have never beaten South Africa in World Cups, losing to them on three previous occasions
India have never beaten South Africa in World Cups, losing to them on all three previous occasions. © Getty
Despite an encouraging start to their World Cup defence with a 76-run victory over Pakistan, legendary India batsman Sachin Tendulkar has said the team would have to be on guard against South Africa in their next Pool B encounter on Sunday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. India have never beaten South Africa in World Cups, losing to them on three previous occasions.
In an interview to Headlines Today, Tendulkar said South Africa's agile fielding unit would make life difficult for the Indian batsmen, who benefitted from Pakistani's ordinary fielding effort.
"It won't be so easy to pick singles. They (South Africa) are much faster, their throwing arm is more powerful and their outfielding ... they cover the area much better than Pakistan," Tendulkar was quoted as saying.
While India's batsmen, led by Virat Kohli picked on Pakistan's fast bowlers to put up 300 runs at the Adelaide Oval, South Africa would pose greater problems with Dale Steyn leading the line. Tendulkar scored 111 against South Africa the last time India played them in the 2011 World Cup, but Steyn came back to take a five-wicket haul.
"Without any doubt he's (Steyn) their strike bowler. He's bowled unbelievably well," Tendulkar said. "You can't pre-decide how to play Steyn, he could also have a bad day, you have to decide in the moment but you have to respect Steyn, you need to be watchful upfront but take your opportunities."
Tendulkar, however, remained positive about India's chances, suggesting they need not fret over Rohit Sharma, who would only manage 15 against Pakistan. "Don't put pressure on Rohit, we should not put doubt in a player's mind. Rohit doesn't need to worry. Next time he will get it right," he said.
The former batsman said India must not look too far ahead and urged them to go with the same XI that played against Pakistan, which may mean sending Ajinkya Rahane at No 4. "I would possibly look to do that if we lose a couple of early wickets," he said. "I would want to have Raina after 20th over or so. I would not want to see him in first four overs there. I would back Rahane there."
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