'Will challenge both...' - Abhishek Nayar opens up on India’s top order in high-stakes Kolkata Test vs SA

As India and South Africa gear up for the first Test in Kolkata, anticipation surrounds the battle between India’s new-look top order and South Africa’s fiery pace unit. Among the Proteas quicks, all-rounder Marco Jansen stands out as a genuine threat capable of exploiting early movement and uneven bounce at the Eden Gardens pitch. The tall left-armer has developed a knack for unsettling top-order batters with his steep bounce and late swing, weapons that could test India’s technique in home conditions.

Marco Jansen’s left-arm threat to KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal

India’s captain Shubman Gill and the opening pair of KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal will face an early test of patience and adaptability. Jansen’s ability to extract awkward bounce and shape the ball away from right-handers makes him especially dangerous against Rahul, who has occasionally struggled with deliveries moving outside off stump. For Jaiswal, the challenge will be adjusting to Jansen’s angle and height, particularly if South Africa opts for aggressive short-ball tactics.

Also read: Where to watch India vs South Africa 1st Test match: TV and live streaming details 

South Africa’s strategy is expected to rely heavily on Jansen and Kagiso Rabada striking early to expose India’s middle order. If the duo can find early breakthroughs, the visitors will have a realistic shot at seizing control of the opening session. India, meanwhile, will count on Rahul’s composure and Jaiswal’s counter-attacking instincts to neutralize the pressure.

While India enters the series with strong home advantage, South Africa’s pace lineup, featuring Jansen, Rabada, and Marco Jansen’s fellow seamers, brings an element of unpredictability. Jansen’s recent form and his growing reputation as a strike bowler in both red and white-ball cricket make him a key figure to watch.

"If there is one attack and conditions that can challenge both of them in India, it is the Eden Gardens. It will challenge them. You will see the ball carry and you will see a bit of seam. Marco Jansen will challenge both of them, especially when he takes it away from Yashasvi and brings it into KL Rahul. So that's a matchup I am looking forward to," said Nayar on Star Sports. 

Where to Watch India vs South Africa series

Indian fans can catch all the action live via Star Sports channels on television or stream matches online on JioHotstar through OTTplay Premium.

Also read: EXCLUSIVE: ‘Batting with a…’ - Akash Kumar Choudhary reveals secret behind smashing fastest ever first-class fifty