After Philander, captain du Plessis launches strike on Kohli and India

After teammate Philander drew first blood by almost brushing off India's preparations for South Africa, du Plessis talked about the 3-0 loss in 2015 away to India, highlighting that the Proteas are keen to even the score. The three-match series begins here on Friday with the first Test.

Cape Town: South African skipper Faf du Plessis ratcheted up the rhetoric on the eve of the much- anticipated opening Test against India, saying they have a "score to settle" with the World No. 1.

After teammate Philander drew first blood by almost brushing off India's preparations for South Africa, du Plessis talked about the 3-0 loss in 2015 away to India, highlighting that the Proteas are keen to even the score. The three-match series begins here on Friday with the first Test.

"I don't know when the next Test series against India is, but it's probably the last time all of us (senior players) play against India and there's no better way than playing a series in South Africa. We were disappointed the last time we went there and we've got a score to settle, so we're excited for this series," he added.

Du Plessis said that the Newlands' green-top wicket gives South Africa an advantage going into the first Test.

"I like the fact that there is some sort of preference that we can try to get an advantage. I think the groundsmen have done a fantastic job with the heat. The wicket looks good. It looks like it's going to be exactly what we wanted."

Du Plessis downplayed rivalry with Virat Kohli or any other Indian player for that matter, and outlined that South Africa instead intend to target the entire playing eleven to get the desired result.

"Obviously Virat is a very good player. His stats don't lie. We are hoping we can put some pressure on him. If we can keep him quiet, we have a much better chance. But I see it as South Africa against India, I don't see a rivalry between us.

"We don't look at Virat alone. He doesn't get more time than any of the other Indian batsmen," du Plessis signed off.

Du Plessis is returning from injury and sat out the day- night Test against Zimbabwe. South Africa also have AB de Villiers and Dale Steyn to consider, both of whom are returning to Test cricket after long lay-offs.

De Villiers led against Zimbabwe in du Plessis' absence, but is not a confirmed starter for the first Test. Steyn's exclusion cannot be ruled out either in case South Africa opt for only three pacers.

"It was frustrating at times. It's 11 weeks now and I just feel now like I'm ready to play. Obviously time at home is nice, and the good thing is I didn't miss much cricket for South Africa.

"I'm extremely hungry to play again. I would have liked to play against Zimbabwe but the batting feels good and hopefully I can take off from here," said the skipper.

"This selection is probably one of the hardest that we are going to have to make. There are just so many combinations you can look at. It's a nice headache to have, a possibility to play four seamers but we're still talking about what could be our strongest eleven," he added.

When asked specifically about Steyn's possible inclusion, he replied, "It's a tough call. For me, he is the best bowler in the world. He hasn't played for a while and he hasn't got the overs under his legs that he would have wanted.

"But facing Dale in the nets, the skill feels like it hasn't gone anywhere. He has got the same pace, and the same swing. Skill-wise it's like he has just jumped back on that bicycle and is riding again."