(Image Source: Twitter)
[Saba Sports News] Mohammed Shami, India’s pivotal bowler in the ODI World Cup, will be absent from the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa due to an ankle injury. Wasim Jaffer, a former Indian cricketer, acknowledges that Shami’s absence is a setback for the Rohit Sharma-led team but sees it as an excellent chance for Prasidh Krishna and Mukesh Kumar to demonstrate their worth and secure their positions in the starting lineup.
While Shardul Thakur is the likely choice as the third seamer alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, Jaffer suggests that the team management might lean towards either Prasidh or Mukesh, considering them as the future of India’s fast bowling. On X (formerly Twitter), Jaffer expressed, “Shami’s absence is significant in the SA Tests, but it offers Prasidh & Mukesh a chance to establish themselves as the future of Indian fast bowling. South Africa is an ideal place to bowl. Who would you choose as the third seamer?”
After a tough loss to Australia in the ODI World Cup final, senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah took a break but are now ready to return for the first Test in Centurion. Virat Kohli, who unexpectedly stepped down as red-ball captain following the last series in South Africa, rejoined the team for practice after returning on December 24. His performance will be crucial in this series, particularly since India has yet to secure a Test series victory in South Africa.