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Promising that India will not back down from their "aggressive brand of cricket", team director Ravi Shastri feels consistency and patience would be
key to success as the hosts gear up to face South Africa next month.
"South Africa are the No. 1 team in the world. We have to play consistent cricket for long periods of time to put them under pressure.
"That will be the endeavour. Our style of play will not change," said Shastri, who was retained as team director after India registered a historic Test series win in Sri Lanka recently.
"If you reflect on our performances in Australia and Sri Lanka, you will see that consistency was the difference between defeat and victory. Sustained brilliance will be the key against the Proteas," he said.
'Not letting the opposition off the hook demands a lot of patience'
Asked if consistency would mean winning the key moments, he said, "Yes, that's exactly what I am talking about. And that – not letting the opposition off the hook after having them under pressure – demands a lot of patience.
"We were not patient enough both in Australia and during the first Test in Sri Lanka. Once the patience and discipline came, in the next two Tests, we saw the results," he told bcci.tv.
India and South Africa square off for the first time in a four-Test series, in addition to playing five ODIs and three T20s. The tour begins with a T20 International match at Dharamsala on October 2.
'This role has given me immense job satisfaction'
He termed the job of India cricket team director as the most challenging and satisfying.
"It has given me immense job satisfaction. It has been the biggest challenge for me in all the years I have been involved in the game in whatever capacity. My willingness and desire to carry on in this role stems from the fact that I have got a great team with me – a great bunch of players and an amazing support staff," said the former India all-rounder.
Asked about the contribution of coaching staff of Bharat Arun, R Sridhar and Sanjay Bangar, he said their experience of having come through the system has helped to the team success.
"I would say just one thing for all of them. Apart from the expertise, there is experience. They have all come through the system. They connect with the players."