If the former South AFrican all-rounder Jacques Kallis is to be believed, the Proteas have no margin for error and should take advantage of India's 'first game nerves' to bring their 2019 ICC World Cup campaign back on track.
South Africa, who were thrashed by England in the opening match, suffered their second successive loss in the World Cup, going down by 21 runs against Bangladesh on Sunday. Kallis believes the Proteas will be under a lot of pressure ahead of their clash against favourites India.
"It's disappointing and frustrating and there is lots of pressure on the next game, otherwise the tournament could be over before it's really started for South Africa," Kallis wrote in a column for the ICC. "It doesn't get any easier though against India but it's their first game and our third, so maybe that could give us the edge we need. They've not played for a week and maybe they'll be some first game nerves, where as we are settled."
The 43-year-old said India will make South Africa pay if they commit any silly mistake. "We've got to play all our cards and we can't afford anymore silly mistakes at vital stages - these are the best sides in the world and they'll always punish you," Kallis wrote.
"Strange things happen in this sport and if we can get a win then I think we can go on a streak and we are still good enough to be a contender. There will be no margin for error though. I think you'll need six wins, maybe five with a really good run rate, to finish in the top four, so South Africa almost need to win every game they will play."
South Africa are battling injury issues with pacer Lungi Ngidi being ruled out of India clash due to a hamstring strain and Kallis feels experienced Dale Steyn needs to be drafted into the playing XI.
"The injury to Lungi Ngidi certainly didn't help Faf, he's a world-class player and a big part of our attack. You've got to play Dale Steyn against India now, and hopefully he is close to fitness," Kallis wrote.
Feature image courtesy: AFP Photo/ Dibyangshu Sarkar
