After enduring a chaotic defeat in the first Test, Rohit Sharma and co. will enter the Newlands Cricket Ground with renewed hope of winning South Africa and equalizing the series. However, during the toss time, Rohit Sharma again lost the toss and the Proteas elected to bat first and explained why Shardul Thakur, who conceded 101 runs in the first Test, is not part of the playing XI for the all-important second Test. .
Rohit Sharma After losing the toss he stated that he would have liked to bat first and thought it was a good pitch to bat first. He also stated that the seamers will get help from the surface and revealed that Shardul has been replaced by Mukesh Kumar for an improved bowling line-up.
The Indian captain stated that since the Newlands surface is favorable for fast bowlers, they are looking to make the most of it and pick up 20 wickets in both innings. He also stressed the importance of leaving the past in the past and trying to be better on the right day.
He also said during the toss that the entire team, especially the bowling department, knows exactly what the game plan will be and that they are going to do what they couldn’t in the first Test.
“It is important to forget what happened in the past. We understand the importance of getting runs on the board and 20 wickets. It didn’t happen in the first game but we are optimistic about what we can achieve here.”
Ravindra Jadeja and Mukesh Kumar replace Ashwin and Shardul Thakur
Even as the Indian batsmen tried their best to score runs on a tricky surface at Centurion, the bowling department faltered badly, especially players like Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakur. The former’s performance would still be forgiven as he was making his debut, but Shardul Thakur took 7 wickets at the same venue in Johannesburg during India’s previous tour to the Rainbow nation.
Shardul Thakur has been replaced by Mukesh Kumar, whose only Test match appearance came last year in July during India’s tour of the West Indies. Mukesh is known for his precise line length, disciplined mentality and bowling style.
In slightly warmer conditions at Newlands, Mukesh Kumar could prove useful and Rohit Sharma will hope his inclusion at the expense of Shardul Thakur makes a difference.
Ravindra Jadeja, who had to miss the first Test due to back spasms before the start of Day 1, replaces Ravichandran Ashwin after the player failed to make any impact with his deception. Meanwhile, the match in Cape Town began with Dean Elgar and Aiden Markram trying to get the hosts to work.
