MSK Prasad's bold comment on Shardul Thakur

With numerous top-class fast bowlers in the Indian squad, it becomes tough to leave out a couple of them for the first Test against South Africa. One of them happens to be Shardul Thakur, who is also a capable batsman. MSK Prasad, a former chief selector of the BCCI, predicted that the right-arm bowler, who can do a thing or two with the cricket bat, would be included in the XI for the Boxing Day Test.

This year, the bowling all-rounder has been in outstanding form. In three Tests, he has taken 14 wickets at an average of 22.07 while also scoring 232 runs at an average of 37.20. There are also three fifties in his Test career, which shows how well he is doing with regards to his performances in every cricket match. Interestingly, all of his half-centuries happened at a time when his side was in serious trouble.

The recent comments that were made by MSK Prasad regarding Shardul Thakur

As a result, it would not be an exaggeration to describe him as a “whole package.” In addition, he was instrumental in his team’s triumphs at the Gabba and the Oval, both with bowling and with batting, respectively. As a result, the former head selector believes that he should be included in the starting XI at Centurion.

India Today reports that MSK Prasad believes Shardul Thakur is the best option if the team decides to play with five bowlers. “He also provides the option of a reliable No.7 batter, and we also have Ravichandran Ashwin,” he remarked. As a result, he believed that adding the 30-year-old would help to improve the team’s hitting depth. Apart from that, the Mumbai cricketer has a natural ability to bring about positive outcomes for his team.

Based on his present performance, I do not believe Ishant will be regarded ahead of Siraj: MSK Prasad

In addition, the former selector said that the outstanding bowler Mohammed Siraj would be preferred over Ishant Sharma. He believes that, based on his present form, the 27-year-old should be given the edge over the seasoned fast bowler in the race. He then went on to announce the names of the four bowlers whom he feels will be part of the first Test against South Africa.

If all four bowlers are available, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Ashwin, and Mohammed Siraj will be included in this lineup. Based on his present performance, Ishant will not be regarded ahead of Siraj, he believes.

What more did he go on to add for the first Test match against the Proteas in South Africa?

Another aspect to this combined jigsaw puzzle is Hanuma Vihari, who may or may not be considered for a start on Boxing Day, depending on how the other two pieces fit together. The Indian team has been practicing at the Supersport Park in Centurion for the last three days, and Cricket South Africa has allowed the visitors to use the centre-wicket in the main stadium as a part of their preparations for the series.

Before a Test match in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) nations, centre-wicket practice is very rare, and skills training (net sessions) is always conducted in the surrounding region.

When it comes to tactical decisions, Kohli has always been an attacking captain who doesn’t believe in erring on the side of caution. He would like to go in with five bowlers once again, but the absence of Ravindra Jadeja, a very competent No.7 batter who is also a left-handed batsman (which is good for variety), will be felt most in the middle-order.

A positive start to the game; can Team India convert this into a win?

On day 1 of the Boxing Day Test, the Indian batsmen made a total of 272/3, with opener KL Rahul scoring an unbeaten 122. There was a good contribution coming in with his opening partner Mayank Agarwal too, who scored a 60 as well.

The visitors started off well and will aim to win their first series away from home against the Proteas. The confidence will be really high at present, going into day 2, though there was a slight rain-delay. Let’s wait and watch if they can outshine their opponents and win the game and the series.