India are facing the absence of Mohammed Shami in the upcoming Test series against South Africa as he was not cleared by the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s medical team due to his lingering ankle injury. This opens the door for emerging bowlers like Mukesh Kumar and Prasidh Krishna, and Mukesh has already made his Test debut against the West Indies, securing two wickets in the only match he played.

While Krishna awaits his Test debut, his experience in domestic cricket is worth mentioning. Former Indian batsman Wasim Jaffer sees this as an opportune time for the younger generation to showcase his talent, emphasizing his role in the future of Indian bowling.

However, the team welcomes back Jasprit Bumrah, who returns to red-ball cricket for the first time since mid-2022. In the previous Test under Bumrah’s captaincy against England, India faced defeat in a rescheduled match directed by Ben Stokes. The Indian bowling line-up is anticipated to excel in the South African conditions that favor fast bowlers.

“Shami will be missed a lot in the South Africa Tests, but it is a great opportunity for Prasidh and Mukesh to prove that they are the future of Indian fast bowling. You couldn’t ask for a better place to bowl than South Africa. Who do you choose as the third closer between these two? – Wasim Jaffer tweeted.

Shami will be sorely missed in the SA Tests but it is a great opportunity for Prasidh and Mukesh to prove that they are the future of Indian fast bowling. You couldn’t ask for a better place to bowl than South Africa. Who do you choose as the third closer between these two? #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/7yCgrGDgrY

– Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) December 25, 2023

Under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma and the coaching of Rahul Dravid, the Indian team will hope to achieve their first victory in the Test series in South Africa. And for that, all the players need to be on the same page and it will be interesting to see how India plays with several new faces in both the bowling and batting department.

Centurion Track perfect for Mukesh Kumar’s line and length

Although it is said that Day 1 of the Boxing Day test at Centurion could disappear completely, Day 2 is also expected to remain the same. But if that doesn’t happen and the sun comes out, it could be a feast for Mukesh Kumar, who has shown that he can hit the right lines and lengths.

He rose to fame earlier this year during IPL 2023, where he played for the Delhi Capitals. Although he does not have a natural ability to pick up wickets, Mukesh Kumar is capable of hitting the deck and as he continues to gain international exposure, his game will undoubtedly develop.

Mukesh made his Test debut during India’s tour to the West Indies in July, where he played the second Test. He got 2 wickets on debut but his true charisma and talent will be tested against South Africa starting tomorrow only if he gets the nod ahead of Prasidh Krishna.

India squad for 2-match Test series in South Africa: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan (wk), KL Rahul (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Mohd Shami, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Prasidh Krishna