(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] With the Test series on the line, India have a lot of things to ponder upon before the upcoming match scheduled against South Africa begins.
With regards to their playing XI, India are in a dilemma. As Ravindra Jadeja is fit, one of Shardul Thakur or Ravichandran Ashwin would be dropped. Moreover, Prasidh Krishna, who had a horrible debut Test, could get replaced by Mukesh Kumar.
However, if captain Rohit Sharma’s words are to go by, Prasidh is all but certain to retain his spot in the XI. Addressing the media on the eve of the Cape Town Test, Rohit talked about Prasidh, backing the 27-year-old to do well.
“I still feel that sometimes we’ve got a little bit of inexperience in our bowling and sometimes when you have that, you got to show some faith in them. Show trust in them and that can happen to any team. But obviously for us, like I said in the last post match press conference about Prasidh being playing his first game, we all get nervous when you’re playing your first game. It’s understandable,” Rohit said as quoted to the reporters.
“I’ll still back that thought of mine, saying that he’s got good ability to succeed at this level and especially in this format. So it’s just about showing faith and trust in everyone and getting the job done from them,” he added.
Further, Rohit informed that all players are fit, ending doubts on Jadeja’s availability. However, as shared by him, they have not arrived at a decision on their line-up yet.
“Although we’ve had a brief chat with the management, the coaching staff, what we want from this game and what we want from the bowlers in this game, we’ve not completely finalised our playing XI. Everyone is available for selection. There’s no injury concern. All of them who are here are available to play. We’ll sit down in the evening,” Rohit shared.
India lost the previous Test in Centurion by an innings and 32 runs. The second fixture of the series is scheduled to commence on January 3 and is a must-win clash for India.