5 reasons why South Africa might struggle against Team India in the upcoming Test series

#2. The long exile of Dale Steyn and A.B. De Villiers from Test cricket

AB has not played a Test since January 2016 and Steyn last played a Test in November 2016

In all likelihood, two contemporary legends of South African cricket are set to make a return to international cricket after a long exile. Dale Steyn last played a Test for South Africa in November 2016 and since then has been out of international cricket due to an injury. Though he has made rapid strides in domestic cricket since his comeback from the injury, the 34-year old pace bowler will be aware that Test cricket is a different ball game and he might no longer be able to bowl the long spells he used to bowl a few seasons ago.

It will also be interesting to see how his body copes with the hectic schedule of three back-to-back matches and whether he can stay fit for all 15 days of the series.

AB de Villiers, similarly, has also not played Test cricket for almost two years. His last Test was against England in January 2016. The long break from Test cricket can have its advantages as well as disadvantages. Though AB has been featuring on a regular basis in limited overs cricket for the Proteas, Test cricket sure has its own perils. AB is 33-years old now and might look to quit Test cricket in the near future to prolong his ODI and T20 career.

Together, Steyn and AB have been great servants of South African cricket and have scripted many great victories for South Africa. However, injuries have kept them away from Test cricket for quite a long time and it will be interesting to see how their comeback shapes up in the format which is termed the ultimate test of cricket.