Indian captain Rohit Sharma commented on Mohammed Shami’s absence in the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa. Rohit Sharma emphasized that Mohammed Shami’s absence would be a major setback for the team in the red-ball series.
Mohammed Shami has been ruled out of the Test series due to a heel injury. The right-arm pacer was last seen during the 2023 ODI World Cup final against Australia. The bowler was the leading wicket-taker of the tournament, with 24 wickets in seven matches.
After the ICC tournament, Rohit Sharma was absent from India’s matches against Australia and the limited overs series against South Africa. The veteran opener once again led the Indian cricket team in Test matches during the ongoing tour of South Africa.
Mohammed Shami will be a great miss – Rohit Sharma
“Our seamers have done well in Australia, England and South Africa. The closers have really tried their best. Shami will be a big failure,” Rohit told reporters.
Mohammed Shami has an impressive record in South Africa, where he has taken 35 wickets in eight matches at an average of 23.23. The team will have to decide between Mukesh Kumar and Prasidh Krishna to fill the void left by Shami in the XI.
Very important Test series: Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma emphasized the importance of the series and stated that the team has never won a series in South Africa. He expressed the team’s determination to make history in South Africa.
“Very important test series. We’ve never won a series here. It’s a great opportunity for us. We were close the last two times. That gives us a lot of excitement and encouragement to give our best,” Rohit added.
Team India has not achieved a victory in the Test series in South Africa till date. During their last tour in 2021-22, the Indian cricket team came close to winning the series by bagging the first Test. However, the visitors lost two tests, concluding the series with a score of 1-2.
Every bowler will have a huge role to play – Rohit Sharma
The 36-year-old acknowledged the crucial role played by spinners like Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, even in conditions that favor pace bowling.
“Every bowler will have a very important role to play. Sometimes, for spinners, the role might be to contain. The conditions here help the closers. “We have two experienced spinners and they know what we ask of them.”
The T20I series concluded in a draw, while the Men in Blue claimed a 2-1 victory in the ODI series, concluding the white-ball leg of the Proteas tour. India will begin their Test campaign with the first Boxing Day Test on December 26 at the SuperSport Park in Centurion.
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