Oppositions, conditions don't matter to India, says Sanjay Bangar

Cape Town, Jan 4 (CRICKETNMORE) - Assistant coach Sanjay Bangar on Thursday said the conditions or oppositions don't matter and India are confident of their preparation ahead of the first cricket Test against South Africa beginning here on Friday.

"We are very, very confident about our preparation because we got four-five days here before the first Test. And out of those days, we made sure we got plenty out of it. All the boys are in a positive state of mind," the 45-year-old told reporters here. 

"It is a Test match and it is no different from any other Test match that we play wherein the opposition skills are taken into account. We really focus on our own inward processes, how our mental approach is and how our mindset is in terms of batting rhythm where we stand.

"So the opposition doesn't really matter nor do the conditions. What we are feeling as a batting group is what matters more and we work towards achieving that sort of level that we desire to," Bangar added. 

Bangar also said India might opt to play four bowlers or five batsmen in the first Test at the Newlands here which is expected to be a green-top wicket. 

"Whenever the wicket suits, if it's a bowling-friendly track then obviously we might go with four bowlers and if conditions are perceived to be batting-friendly we might opt for five bowlers," the Indian said. 

"Well, more or less that has been the pattern for the last 24 months or so wherein the team management has made the choices about the team composition.

"As of now, the conditions we found, we expect the ball to seam around a bit on day one. On days two and three, they are going to be very good batting conditions. We will take into consideration the extent of moisture tomorrow on the surface and we will take it from there," Bangar added. 

The former Indian all-rounder also hinted at batsman Rohit Sharma being picked up for the side ahead of Ajinkya Rahane. 

"Again, it all depends on the team composition. All of them are batting really well. Rohit, on the back of his performances across formats, is in with a chance of playing," the former all-rounder said.

"It boils down to the team balance and composition and we will take a call on the morning of the match who will get a nod," Bangar added.

Explaining opener Shikhar Dhawan and all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja's conditions, Bangar said: "Shikhar had a minor ankle niggle. He has been cleared and declared fit, and is available for selection. Jadeja is still under observation and yet to recover. His condition is still being monitored."