Former Proteas skipper Hashim Amla – who is considered one of the best batsmen to have played the game - feels it is a matter of time before South Afica come back strongly. In fact, he is willing to return and help the young batsmen in the team in a coaching role.
"I have just retired and while we were playing we did try to help out the kids. In terms of youngsters coming in, you can have one or two guys lead the team. The South African team does have experience, you have Quinton de Kock, Faf du Plessis as well as Kagiso Rabada. These guys have played over the years. In terms of us getting back, definitely, this is something I enjoyed (batting) and I enjoy getting involved with young batsmen and that was always my intention, to be involved," he revealed.
Asked if he could also be seen coming out of retirement, Amla answered in the negative. "As a player, no chance," he laughed.
"Yes, obviously for anyone supporting the team it was disappointing that we lost. I know that the players tried their best and India were the better team. We had our moments, but couldn't match up to do it for long enough. As a cricket fan it was a bit sad but knowing the South African team, the one we have been involved with over the years, these type of setbacks generally sees the South African team come back strongly. There is no team in the world that goes through victories all the time. There are times when things will be difficult and this is just a difficult time for South Africa," he explained.
Amla feels this Indian bowling line-up makes the Indian team almost invincible, especially at home.
"India have a good bowling line-up. In the series against South Africa, all the bowlers were at the top of their game and you don't often have that. The South African team in the past has had phases when all the bowlers have been on the top of their game and we have won games because at the end of the day you need to pick 20 wickets to win the match. An Indian team which has a bowling attack like this becomes a difficult team to beat, especially at home," he pointed.
Asked about where the Proteas bowlers are going wrong, he said: "When you are touring away from home, you need many bowlers who are at the top of their game. We at the moment..KG is a world-class bowler, Vernon Philander is a world-class bowler..are not at the top of our game. This is a learning curve that the young players will go through and we also did go through this in our career. Those are stepping stones to become a quality side. You have to go through the tough times to appreciate the good times."