Mumbai: Star Sports has launched a promo featuring Ravi Shastri ahead of the three-match test series between India and South Africa starting on 26 December at 1.30 p.m.

Titled #FirstKaThirst, the campaign film is created and conceptualised by the in-house team at Star India. It highlights the many firsts that team India has achieved in the Rainbow Nation. The broadcaster is driving the narrative that team India is prepared to go one step further and achieve the best test series result yet in South Africa.

In 1992, India played its first-ever test match against South Africa in Durban, while under Rahul Dravid, now head coach, the team won its first test in 2006. In the last India tour, the visiting team had secured their first ODI series win in over 25 years since India started touring from 1992 onwards.

“The Indian Cricket team has had a remarkable run in test cricket, remaining dominant at home and registering wins all over the world,” said Star and Disney India head – sports Sanjog Gupta. “However, a first-ever series win in South Africa has remained elusive. #FirstKaThirst is a call to action for Indian fans, who desire to see this Indian team create history by triumphing in South Africa and is a continuing chapter of our #BelieveinBlue narrative. The series also assumes historic significance as it marks 30 years of Cricket between India and South Africa adding to the sense of occasion for this marquee series."

“There couldn’t have been a better time for team India to prove their mettle,” said former Team India coach Ravi Shastri. “Virat has been an impeccable leader and has got a talented team to go along with it. South Africa remains an unconquered bastion. Remember, the Proteas are no pushovers in their own backyard, but we have got the firepower and the arsenal to match that. As always, Team India will always have my backing.”