Faf du Plessis believes the Proteas can claim a series whitewash against India if they maintain their aggressive approach.
South Africa have claimed two convincing victories against the No 1-ranked Test team, by 72 runs in a low-scoring match at Newlands and by 135 runs at SuperSport Park.
The stars on both occasions were the hosts’ bowlers, with Vernon Philander claiming match figures of 9-75 in Cape Town and Lungi Ngidi picking up 7-90 in Centurion (including 6-39 in the second innings).
The Proteas were aggressive in their team selection (picking six batsman and five bowlers) as well as their approach when batting, bowling and fielding.
Du Plessis wants more of the same for the third and final Test, which starts at the Wanderers on 24 January.
‘I favour being ruthless and making sure you dominate a team,’ he said on Wednesday. ‘We haven’t had the opportunity in a while to beat India 3-0.
‘I don’t think we would make changes just to give guys an opportunity, although it’s a good thing. For me, it’s about having the foot on the gas and making sure you can apply as much pressure as you can with your strongest XI.
‘This is an amazing opportunity for us as a team [to whitewash India] – not a lot of South African teams have had the opportunity – so that makes us more hungry as a team to play our best cricket.’
