India vs South Africa: SWOT analysis of SA

Opportunities

(1) New faces get a shot to make a mark

The time is ripe for someone like Duanne Olivier to make a mark in the series, especially as he is the one to share the new ball with Rabada in Nortje's absence.

The quick was included in the Test squad after a gap of two years. Olivier returned to the South Africa domestic set-up following a long Kolpak stint in the United Kingdom. The 29-year-old has played 10 Tests and two ODIs.

Sisanda Magala and Ryan Rickelton are in line to make their Test debuts.

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Threats

(1) Shed the chokers tag

Over the years, South Africa have infamously been called chokers for their inability to close out games and irrespective of the format, they will be keen to shed the tag when they take on a world-class unit.

(2) Omicron virus

With the new coronavirus variant doing the rounds, there is a possibility of the bubble being breached. While the true extent of the infection is still unknown, chances are the team will have a massive dent should some of the players contract the virus.