India vs South Africa: Shikhar Dhawan 'one match away from big knock', asserts Murali Vijay

Nagpur: Indian opening batsman Murali Vijay on Monday backed his out-of-form partner Shikhar Dhawan, saying that he is just one match away from a big knock ahead of his side third Test against South Africa.

Dhawan, who is struggling with form, got out on a pair in the first Test of the four-match series.

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"It's very important to know what your partner is up to. It's very important to take as much ball in order to make him comfortable. It's just one knock away for Shikhar to get the big one. Our goal is to win the game and put the team in better position every time we will go for bat. So that's the criteria at the moment," Vijay told media here.

India are currently leading the series by 1-0 following their 108-run win over the visitors at Mohali. The second Test between two sides was called-off because of persistent rain and wet outfield.

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Reflecting on their win, the 31-year-old said that the team has gained a lot of confidence after the second Test.

"The confidence is really high as of now because we had a good game and the first day was in our favour. I don't think batting is a worry for us. I think everybody is one match away from a big knock and this match may be the one," he added.

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Vijay further said he is working hard and would try his best to contribute maximum to his team.

"I have prepared myself for all the three formats of the game. At the moment I am fitting in the Test team. So I am working hard. My aim is to keep improving in every session and add value to the team. I am trying to play my best and put the Indian team in a good position and so far so good, it has been coming out well for me. I am a good state in a mind and that is more important for me at the moment,"

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Vijay also expressed his views on Ravindra Jadeja's comeback, saying that the all-rounder is a great asset for the team.

"Jadeja is a great asset to the team because he bowls, he fields well and he is a good batsman. He has done really well for himself by coming back. As a team, it gets immense confidence because momentum will always with you if you keep getting wickets,"

India will now play the third Test against South Africa at Nagpur from November 25 while the fourth and the final Test is likely to be played at Feroz Shah Kotla Ground from December 3.