Former BCCI selector MSK Prasad feels that the veteran pacer Ishant Sharma might not feature in the Centurion Test. As the build-up for the first Test between India and South Africa has started, the cricket pundits started sharing their views on team combinations. MSK Prasad opined his views on India’s possible playing XI for the first Test.
The former Indian Wicketkeeper believes that India will likely go with 4 pacers but Ishant Sharma might not feature in it. Prasad feels that Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami would be the automatic choices for India and Shardul Thakur is likely to get the seam-bowling all-rounder’s slot.
Ishant picked only 14 wickets in 2021
“I think Shardul Thakur is the best choice if they go in with five bowlers as he also gives the option of a steady No.7 batter and we also have Ravichandran Ashwin,” Prasad told PTI
So all the discussions would be for the third seamer’s slot. Prasad feels that Siraj should get the nod ahead of Ishant or Umesh.
“Four bowlers in this line-up are now confirmed if all fit – Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Ashwin, and Mohammed Siraj. I don’t think Ishant will be considered ahead of Siraj on current form,” he stated.
Notable that the year 2021 hasn’t been great for Ishant Sharma. The veteran pacer played 8 tests in 2021 and picked only 14 wickets with an average of 32.71. And make things worse his record in the rainbow nation hasn’t been great either as he picked only 20 wickets in 7 Tests in the previous three tours of South Africa.
On the other side, Mohammad Siraj has been at the peak of his form of late as the Hyderabad pacer picked 33 wickets in 10 Test matches. 27-year old pacer made his Test debut in the last year’s boxing day Test at Melbourne. Siraj featured in all matches in the 5-match series against England.
In less than a year he achieved great heights in Test cricket with a fifer at Gabba and he also picked 8 wickets in the famous win at Lord’s.
As far as the 4th seamer slot is concerned, Shardul Thakur is likely to get the nod for it as the Mumbai all-rounder played some important cameos in his 4-Test career.
Also read Siraj, Ishant Or Umesh? Ashish Nehra Picks The Third Pacer For Centurion Test