As the Indian cricket team prepares to take on South Africa in the first Test in Centurion on December 26, there are arguments for and against the two concepts. “
Shardul Thakur, Virat Kohli’s chosen all-rounder, or Ajinkya Rahane, Kohli’s preferred batsman, are the two most likely options. In preparation for the first Test against South Africa in Centurion on December 26, there are arguments for and against the two concepts. Hanuma Vihari, who may or may not be selected for a Boxing Day start, is the third angle in this combo jigsaw puzzle.
During the previous three days, Cricket South Africa has allowed the Indian team to use the Centurion Supersport Park’s center wicket to practice.
In SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) countries, center wicket practice before a Test match is rare, and the skills training (net session) always takes place in the surrounding area, especially Down Under.
Center strip training, which is provided by head coach Rahul Dravid and middle-order batsman Shreyas Iyer, is shown in an interview where Dravid praises the “excellent practice and good intensity” it gives.
In the absence of Ravindra Jadeja, a left-handed No.7 batsman, Kohli would like to go in with five bowlers, but the lack of Jadeja will be felt in the middle-order, where he is an excellent batsman and also a left-handed batsman.
Former chairman of selectors MSK Prasad said, “I think Shardul Thakur is the best pick if they go in with five bowlers as he also gives the option of a steady No. 7 batsman.”
“If Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Ashwin, and Mohammed Siraj are all fit, this line-up has four confirmed bowlers. No, I don’t think, Ishant will be considered ahead of Siraj in the current state of affairs “Centurion is located at an elevation of 1300 meters above sea level, making it difficult for bowlers to maintain their energy levels at such a high altitude.
Prasad, on the other hand, believes that India’s week-long practice before the Test will assist the body to adapt to the conditions. There is nothing wrong with playing an extra batter in this situation.
“When I was a player, we held a competition in Nairobi. We were unable to finish a full round of Nairobi Gymkhana on the first day of training because of the city’s high altitude. After a few days, the body became accustomed to the new routine “he commented.
Rahane and Vihari are the only viable options if the team is short on batters.
It’s been a month since Vihari last played in New Zealand’s Test series at home, but he’s already scored three half-centuries against South Africa A.
If Kohli opts for a more ‘Dravidian way’ safety first,’ Rahane, who may be receiving one final chance to establish himself, has a better chance of being the sixth batter.
Virat Kohli (captain), Shreyas Iyer (wk), Mayank Agarwal (opener), KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj (wkt). 11th name: Shardul Thakur/Hanuma Vihari/Ajinkya Rahane (bowling all-rounder) (extra batter).
