South Africa series is important for Team India, says Murali Vijay

After the Sri Lanka series, India will visit South Africa and according to the cricket pundits, India will face the real challenge over there as it is known fact that Indian players are not very good in playing pacers. 

Despite India failed to register a single win in the six Test series they have been played in South Africa so far, Murli Vijay feels that under Virat Kohli’s captaincy the team have a great chance to create history.

"It is going to be a team effort to pull off a series win abroad. Hopefully, we can do that this time around. We are looking forward to that and we are preparing so that we can contribute to the team and go ahead in the series," Vijay told India Today.

This year Team India showed their brilliant run in the home ground but India will play their majority of their cricket on foreign soil in the coming years as the team scheduled to tour South Africa, England, and Australia in the next 14 months. Vijay stated that the upcoming series against South Africa is very crucial as it will help in setting the tone for the next tours.

"Not only South Africa. It's about how we are going to go about it the whole season. It is going to be very important for us. If you think about short-term goals then yes, this series is very important for us to start. I personally think we are well equipped to do well. As I said, we've got to go there, get used to the conditions really fast and find a way to perform," he said.

Vijay will be key player for the all-important series next year as the opener made a sensational comeback by scoring back-to-back hundreds against Sri Lanka. He played 53 Tests since his debut in 2008 and he considered as one of the most experienced players in this Indian team.

Vijay feels that all the three openers, KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan and him, are in good form and that helps the team to pick the best suitable option.

"It is actually good to be in form. All three openers are in form, so there are a lot of options for the captain and the management. Hopefully, we three can perform and contribute in the near future," he added.

The first Test of the series will start on January 5 in Cape Town.