AB de Villiers says `Proteas not underdogs`

Johannesburg – Proteas captain AB de Villiers has reportedly said that his team is by no means underdogs, as they prepare to bat it out against India, ranked the best ODI side in the world, at the Wanderers on Thursday.

De Villiers said that on the home ground they have the skills to counter India, for whom it will be a different scenario playing in the South African conditions.

According to Sports24, the Proteas, ranked fifth in the ODI rankings, are fresh off a 2-1 series loss to Pakistan, while India has two consecutive series victories over Australia and the West Indies.

He further said that there is no chance against anyone in South Africa that they can afford to be called the underdogs and he expected his players to have a confident mindset going into the game.

De Villiers said that his team was well aware of India’s struggles as it has won just five out of 25 ODIs against the Proteas in South Africa.

Meanwhile, Indian captain MS Dhoni said that his team is working on the strength and will accordingly try to make the most of what they have.

Dhoni added that last time they came here they had a good opportunity to win the series, but didn’t cash in on that, the report added.