Ranchi, Nov 29 (NationPress) South Africa's batting coach Ashwell Prince underscored the significance of handling pressure for the Proteas to excel in crucial moments ahead of their first ODI against India at JSCA Stadium.

The Proteas arrive following a clean sweep against the hosts India on home soil and clinching a Test series victory of 2-0. They initially defeated India by 30 runs in Kolkata and followed up with a massive 408-run win in Guwahati.

Prince acknowledged the successful red-ball series but urged the Proteas to enhance their performance in high-pressure situations.

“Currently, the squad has been largely concentrated on Test cricket, especially with the upcoming T20 World Cup. In the 50-over format, we are experimenting with various combinations. I believe we are performing admirably in both batting and bowling. Our area for improvement lies within the critical moments – those tight, decisive moments. White-ball cricket is all about thriving in high-pressure situations and executing those moments effectively.”

With the conditions in Ranchi favoring batsmen and dew expected to impact the latter stages of the match, the team batting first will aim to set a significant score.

“Our analysis indicates a considerable amount of dew is anticipated. Teams often prefer to chase if they win the toss. However, if we can post a substantial score early on, it may put pressure on the chasing team, compelling them to start aggressively, which can lead to early wickets. If we bat first, a formidable score is crucial to apply pressure.”

India's white-ball stars, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, return to the international scene after their tour of Australia, where their performances did not meet expectations. With favorable conditions and a point to prove, fans are eager to see them shine once more.

“I wouldn’t classify it as extra pressure. Touring India as South Africans is always thrilling. With those two in the lineup, we anticipate a packed house, which is exciting. Our focus is on the impact we can have on the opposition rather than worrying about them. They are world-class players, but our priority is on our strengths and how we can impose our game.”

“Carrying momentum is essential, but personnel changes in both teams will give this series a different atmosphere. Every format matters during a tour like this, and we aim to maintain our momentum.”

India, meanwhile, is missing key players like Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Shubman Gill, and Shreyas Iyer, presenting KL Rahul and coach Gautam Gambhir with a mix of opportunities and challenges as they prepare the squad for the immediate future.

“Overall, India boasts a remarkable team in both batting and bowling. The outcomes will depend on pivotal moments during the matches. Excelling in those moments is crucial.”

Prince recognized the momentum the Proteas carry from their Test series win, but noted that the white-ball series necessitates a reset as they prepare for the T20 World Cup in 2026.

“Our mentality is the most critical factor. Historically, South African teams have found conditions here to be unfamiliar. Nowadays, our players tour the subcontinent more frequently, even in shorter formats, making these conditions less foreign. It’s vital not to assume how a pitch will behave. A key term for us is adaptability – we must adjust our style based on the conditions on any given day.”

“It’s clear how significant that accomplishment was. We certainly celebrated afterward, but I can’t reveal too much about the festivities.”

Prince praised the all-round performance of Marco Jansen and his importance in the white-ball tour with both bat and ball. “Marco has an outstanding Test record – an average in the early 20s and a strike rate around 38. His batting is also crucial. For him, clarity is essential. At numbers eight or nine, you often don’t have many partners, so once he’s in, he needs to score quickly. Playing an aggressive role is something we’ve discussed. His innings have placed us in a commanding position. With the ball, he adapted exceptionally well. We didn’t anticipate the pitch to offer that much bounce. The batters indicated steep bounce, leading bowlers to employ the bouncer more. Again, adaptability is key.”

Welcoming Quinton de Kock, Prince stated, “He’s crucial for us. Just like Rohit and Virat reinforce India, Quinny has a similar impact on our team. His experience and the quality he exhibited in Pakistan uplift the dressing room. We have several young left-handers and emerging players. Having them interact with him, learn from him, and bat alongside him in the middle significantly aids their development. He is a major influence for us.”