Former Team India coach Lalchand Rajput feels Kagiso Rabada is the major threat for Indian batting line-up in South Africa. India will be traveling them for three Tests, six ODIs and three T20I series from January 2018.

Talking to Mid-Day, Rajput quoted “Rabada is a very matured bowler now. Even in India (during the 2015-16 series), he bowled really well on flat wickets. On helpful pitches, he will be dangerous. A lot of people are saying that Steyn will be dangerous, but he is making a comeback after a long injury lay off. He has to get his rhythm right. I feel Rabada (aged 22) will test the Indian batsmen along with Philander and (Morne) Morkel.”

He has been there during his coaching stint with Team India and feels shot selection will be the key element in batting over there.

“There has to be a little bit of adjustment. On a bouncy wicket, you have got to play your shots and not get bogged down by just blocking. Back foot shots will be important. If we can get runs off the back foot, then the South African bowling will be really tested. I don’t think they will bowl too full, so, the cut and pull shot will be crucial,” he added.

He feels 6-5 would he an ideal combination in those conditions, which Kohli believes as well. “I would go with four bowlers and a bowling all-rounder in Hardik Pandya. I would have three medium pacers, a spinner and Pandya. So, five bowlers, five batsmen and a wicketkeeper this would be my strategy,” Rajput concluded.

India will kick off their tour with Caoe Town test from January 5.