Former cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has thrown his weight behind fast bowler Mukesh Kumar’s inclusion in India’s lineup for the second Test against South Africa at Newlands in Cape Town. Mukesh, who made a promising Test debut against the West Indies last year, securing two wickets, is receiving Manjrekar’s endorsement based on his suitability to the conditions anticipated at Cape Town.

Manjrekar cautioned against fielding both Shardul Thakur and Prasidh Krishna in the same XI, emphasizing the importance of achieving a balanced unit. Underlining Mukesh’s potential in the challenging conditions and suggesting strategic adjustments, the 58-year-old commentator expressed that the pacer’s inclusion could be pivotal as India aims to level the series in the critical encounter.

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“In the first Test, I don’t expect Shardul Thakur and Prasidh Krishna to play together in the second Test. There will definitely be one change. If Ravindra Jadeja is fit, it will strengthen our batting. So, if Mukesh Kumar is bowling well in the nets, he could be brought in. He is more suited to these conditions,” Sanjay Manjrekar remarked in an interview with ESPNcricinfo.

Following a disappointing innings loss in the series opener at SuperSport Park in Centurion, where India currently trails 0-1, the team faces a challenging task in the second Test.

Sanjay Manjrekar indicated that skipper Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid are likely to support Yashasvi Jaiswal despite his initial Test struggles. Anticipating an improved pitch in Cape Town, Manjrekar looks forward to a more balanced contest in the upcoming match.

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“With it being a two-match series, sometimes you are forced to make changes. However, I don’t think India will make any major changes to their batting lineup. Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid would have seen how Yashasvi Jaiswal played in the first innings, and they would continue to back him. You cannot change things with the selection when it comes to batting. All you can do is hope that the pitch is a bit easier to bat on,” Sanjay Manjrekar concluded.