Ahead of South Africa’s ODI Series against India, Proteas batting coach Ashwell Prince says the team’s white-ball progress is on track, but the next step will come from handling high-pressure moments better.
Prince began by assessing where the ODI side stands two years out from the next World Cup. “I think at the moment the squad has focused predominantly on Test cricket and, as far as white-ball cricket is concerned, a lot of the focus has been on T20 with the World Cup coming up soon. So in the 50-over space, we’ve been able to try different combinations. I’d say we’re doing pretty well in both batting and bowling departments. If there’s one area we could improve, it’s the bigger moments – tighter moments, clutch moments. White-ball cricket is about high-pressure environments, intensity, and playing those moments well.”
On whether batting first is a disadvantage in conditions where dew plays a major role, Prince said: “Our homework tells us there’s a lot of dew expected. Teams tend to prefer chasing if they win the toss. But if you get a good pitch upfront and post a massive score, it can affect the chasing team because they feel they have to start at a high tempo and that’s when you can lose wickets. If we bat first, we’ll need to post a formidable score to apply pressure.”
With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma returning for India, Prince dismissed the idea of added pressure. “No, I wouldn’t say it’s extra pressure. As South Africans touring India, it’s always exciting. With those two names in the line-up, we expect a full house and that’s exciting. We try to focus on what damage we can cause the opposition rather than how they can hurt us. They’re world-class, they’re dangerous, but the focus is on our strengths and how we impose our game.”
Prince acknowledged the confidence gained from the Test Series whitewash but pointed out that the ODI Series resets the contest. “It’d be nice to carry the momentum, but there’s personnel change in both teams, so the Series will have a different feel. All formats are important on a tour like this and we’d like to keep the momentum going.”
He also emphasised that India’s strength across the board means the Series will come down to pressure moments again. “All around, India have a fantastic team in both batting and bowling. The results will hinge on crucial moments in matches. Playing those moments well is important.”
Reflecting on what South Africa executed well in the Test Series, Prince highlighted the team’s mindset. “The most important thing for us is our mentality. Historically, South African teams came here and the conditions felt foreign. These days our players tour the subcontinent more, even in shorter formats, so conditions aren’t as foreign. What’s important is not to pre-empt how a pitch will play. A keyword for us is adaptability – whatever the conditions are on the day, we adapt our style accordingly.”
He admitted the Test Series victory was thoroughly enjoyed. “It’s not lost on anyone how massive that achievement was. We certainly enjoyed the evening afterwards. I can’t give you too much detail about the enjoyment.”
Prince also praised Temba Bavuma’s leadership. “Temba has been immense – a vital innings in the first Test, calm captaincy, collected. He’s faced a lot of adversity in his career and that makes his character strong. His calmness filters through the dressing room. He’s got a phenomenal record and we hope that continues.”
Asked about MS Dhoni being present in Ranchi, Prince acknowledged the depth of Indian experience. “MS Dhoni’s experience is vast, not only at his home ground but around the world. India’s dressing room has a lot of experience with the players and staff they have. I expect them to understand conditions better than us. For us it’s about assessing the pitch quickly, adapting quickly, communicating clearly, and focusing on our roles.”
Prince reserved special praise for Marco Jansen’s growth. “Marco has a phenomenal Test record – average in the early 20s, strike rate around 38. And then you add his batting. What’s important for him is clarity. At number eight or nine, you 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 put us in a dominating position. Then with the ball, he adapted brilliantly. We didn’t expect the pitch to bounce that much. The batters said the bounce was steep, so the bowlers used the bouncer more. Again, adaptability is what matters.”
Finally, Prince welcomed Quinton de Kock’s return. “He’s massive. Just like Rohit and Virat strengthen India, Quinny has a similar effect for us. His experience and the quality he showed in Pakistan boosts the dressing room. We’ve got quite a few young left-handers and young players. For them to sit with him, talk to him, and bat with him out in the middle does a lot for their growth. He’s a big influence for us.”
1st ODI – Sunday, 30 November
13:30 IST → 10:00 SAST
JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi
2nd ODI – Wednesday, 03 December
13:30 IST → 10:00 SAST
Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium, Raipur
3rd ODI – Saturday, 06 December
13:30 IST → 10:00 SAST
Dr YS Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam
🔵 T20I Series – SAST Times
1st T20I – Tuesday, 09 December
19:00 IST → 15:30 SAST
Barabati Stadium, Cuttack
2nd T20I – Thursday, 11 December
19:00 IST → 15:30 SAST
New PCA Stadium, New Chandigarh
3rd T20I – Sunday, 14 December
19:00 IST → 15:30 SAST
Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala
4th T20I – Wednesday, 17 December
19:00 IST → 15:30 SAST
Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
5th T20I – Friday, 19 December
19:00 IST → 15:30 SAST
Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad