Kepler Wessels (born 14 September 1957) is a former South African cricketer who captained South Africa after playing 24 Tests for Australia. He was the first man to have played One Day International cricket for two countries. A leading newspaper got to have an insightful talk with the southpaw. Here are some excerpts of it:
Q: What is the difference between the Indian side which toured in 1992 and the current touring Indian team?
Kepler Wessels: In 1992, under the leadership of Mohammad Azharuddin, India had players like Kapil Dev, Anil Kumble and Sachin Tendulkar. Then came the era of Dravid, Ganguly and Dhoni. Now Virat Kohli’s team is playing. Experts have claimed, India producing some good results at away tour since 1983. India can produce positive results at any venue, because the current team is highly competitive and that’s the reason why India is a power house in world cricket.
Q: Did IPL turned off the fear of touring overseas?
Kepler Wessels: Definitely Indian Premier League has played a key role. You get to learn alot, when you stay with foreign players for one and a half months. You get to know about their weaknesses. In the practise session, you get to dismiss those players or score runs against their bowling. This certainly gives a confidence booster.
Q: Indian batsmen got out cheaply in the first innings. Are they still afraid of fast bowling?
Kepler Wessels: Not at all, South Africa lost early wickets in first innings, but Ab De Villiers and Du Plessis rescued the situation. Hardik Pandya repeated the same thing which AB De and Du Plessis did for Proteas. Pandya is the product of IPL. He played his natural game. After rain interrupting the third day’s play, things looks evenly matched for both teams. Indians have to really put up a good batting display, but the series promises to be very challenging.
Q: Injury concerns have again bothered Dale Steyn. What’s your comment on it?
Kepler Wessels: Jacques Kallis and Steyn are two of my favorite cricketers, they are legends. Im deeply saddened by his injury, but he is a lion. He will make a roaring comeback. Lot of cricket is still left in him and he knows that. The way he is bowling currently, can be devastating for any opposition. He worked really hard for getting back into International cricket from past one year. He will be disappointed, but i hope, he will make a comeback soon.
Q: What will you say about Virat’s aggression. Is this the right way to lead the team?
Kepler Wessels: Virat is an amazing personality. I lead my team when Indian team was led by Azharuddin. Every captain has its own style. Steve Smith is a different type of captain and Virat can not be compared with him. Similarly, Faf Du Plessis is also a different type of captain. Style of captaincy, differ in every leader. Meanwhile the reaction of India and South Africa was same when India dismissed Du Plessis and South Africa dismissed Kohli. Virat is a class apart personally. His aggression even makes him better. He is an outstanding leader who takes the team together. Kohli is producing brilliant results in all the three formats and no doubt is one of the leading cricketers in the world.
