Former India opener Gautam Gambhir believes that India should stick to its 5-bowler strategy in Johannesburg however he suggested one change in the XI to bring Umesh Yadav in for Shardul Thakur.
In the first test at Centurion, India beat the hosts by 113 runs to take a 1-0 lead in the 3-match series. The second Test of the series will begin on Monday as India will be eying for their first series win in the rainbow nation.
In a column for TOI, Gambhir insisted that India shouldn’t take the conservative approach to play with 4 bowlers. He also suggested that Umesh Yadav’s raw pace might be handy at Johannesburg.
“Johannesburg will pose stiffer challenges for the batsmen. On this ground which is located on a higher altitude, there is a pace and bounce. India should continue to be relentless. I read somewhere that India may consider going in both four bowlers instead of five in the second Test match. This is being contemplated to accommodate Hanuma Vihari or Shreyas Iyer.
“I just hope this is pure media speculation and not a series thought by the Indian think tank. Personally, I would be inclined to play Umesh Yadav in place of Shardul Thakur. Umesh’s raw speed with control his biggest strength and that is what Kohli would need,” Gambhir wrote.
I would be inclined to play Umesh Yadav in place of Shardul Thakur- Gautam Gambhir
As far as batting is concerned, Gambhir suggested that India should stick with the same combination. Rahane’s form in the first test convinced him enough to stick with him for this Test. He also shared a piece of advice for the Indian captain. He suggested to Kohli to buy time and show more discipline outside off stump.
“I wasn’t too keen to play Rahane in the first game. But with a decent 48 in the first innings perhaps he would have won himself a place in the second test match too. I’d continue with Cheteshwar Pujara at no.3. A lot is being said about Virat Kohli’s dismissals in the first Test match. I think some of it is unfounded and creates unnecessary chaos. Kohli has been exceptional in his run-making for India, he just needs to leave lot more balls outside the off-stump and buy time.” he added.
Gambhir also said that India shouldn’t get carried away with the result of the match as there are lots of issues that need to be addressed.