Sachin Tendulkar has a golden advice for India batters ahead of South Africa series

India will be up against South Africa in the three-match Test series due to start on December 26 in Centurion. South Africa is one of the most challenging countries to bat and historically, Asian batters have struggled in the country. Ahead of the Test series, legendary India cricketer Sachin Tendulkar has shared valuable advice for the Indian batters.

Tendulkar has said it is important for batters to play front foot defence against the likes of Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi. The former India batter further opined the team’s chances depend on how they fare against the new ball in the first 25 overs.

"I've always said, front foot defence is important. Upfront, front foot defence is important. And that front-foot defence is going to count here. The first 25 overs, front foot defence is going to be critical," Tendulkar told veteran sports journalist Boria Majumdar on his show 'Backstage with Boria'.

The legendary cricketer also gave the example of Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul’s batting in England. The duo had a good Test series as they managed to blunt the new ball. Tendulkar feels the rest of the Indian batters should follow the same model in South Africa.

"That was what we got to see in England when Rohit and Rahul got those runs. They got beaten on occasion and that's fine. Every batter gets beaten. Bowlers are there to pick wickets, so that's okay. But when your hands start going away from your body, that is when you are likely to edge the ball," he added.

India will not have the services of Test vice-captain Rohit Sharma for the South Africa series. He is ruled out due to a hamstring problem. Rahul has been appointed the vice-captain of the team in Rohit's absence.