India’s former chief selector, MSK Prasad reckons that Shardul Thakur will be the best best for India against South Africa if decided to go with 5 bowlers in the Centurion Test scheduled to be commencing on Dember 26. He suggested that the other four bowlers will be Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, and Ravichandran Ashwin. Shardul Thakur has been in excellent form with the ball this year in Tests, having taken 14 wickets from 3 games at an average of 22.07 and scored 232 runs with the bat at 37.20.
Shardul Thakur played crucial roles with ball and bat in India’s Test wins at the Gabba (vs Australia) and The Oval (vs England) which is why Prasad thinks that the 30-year old would be the best fit in the playing XI at SuperSport Park.
During a chat with PTI, MSK Prasad said, “I think Shardul Thakur is the best choice if they go in with five bowlers as he also gives the option of a steady No.7 batter and we also have Ravichandran Ashwin.”
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The former India wicketkeeper also felt that India will be elected to include Mohammed Siraj ahead of the experienced Ishant Sharma on current form. Siraj has 28 wickets from 9 Tests this year, while Ishant has struggled with the ball in 2021 with just 14 scalps from 8 games.
Elaborating the same, MSK Prasad said, “Four bowlers in this line-up are now confirmed if all fit – Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Ashwin, and Mohammed Siraj. I don’t think Ishant will be considered ahead of Siraj on current form.”
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All eyes will be on the new captain-coach combination of Virat Kohli and Rahul Dravid as they have begun on a winning note, beating New Zealand 1-0 at home. India also began their journey to become one of the finest touring sides in South Africa in 2018. It was also the first overseas Test assignment for Shastri and Kohli combined after the former India captain had taken over from Anil Kumble as the full-time head coach.
