Fast bowler Mukesh Kumar could start for India against South Africa at Newlands in Cape Town, according to former cricket player and current pundit Sanjay Manjrekar. Mukesh has gained Manjrekar’s support because of his adaptability to the Cape Town conditions. Last year, at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain, Trinidad, he made his Test debut against the West Indies and took one wicket.
Manjrekar suggested against fielding Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakur in the same starting eleven and emphasized the need for a well-balanced squad. The 58-year-old said that the pacer’s selection might be key as they look to even the series in the pivotal match, highlighting Mukesh’s potential for the difficult conditions and suggesting tactical changes.
“Based on what we saw in the first test, I don’t think Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakur will play together in the second test. There is going to be at least one change. Our batting will be strengthened if Ravindra Jadeja is fit. Mukesh Kumar might therefore be brought in if he is bowling well in the nets. “He is more appropriate for these circumstances,” Manjrekar reportedly told ESPNcricinfo.
Your only option is to hope that the pitch is a little bit easier to bat on. Sanjay Manjrekar
India has a tough battle ahead of them after losing the first Test at SuperSport Park in Centurion by an innings. They are now down 0-1 in the series. Despite Yashasvi Jaiswal’s first Test defeat, Manjrekar predicted that captain Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid would probably back him. The veteran is hoping for a better pitch in Cape Town and is looking forward to a more evenly matched game.
There are moments when you have to make adjustments because the series consists of two matches. I don’t believe India will alter their batting order too much, though. After witnessing Yashasvi Jaiswal’s performance in the opening inning, Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid would be inclined to support him going forward. When it comes to batting, you are powerless over the choice. Manjrekar continued, “All you can do is hope that the pitch is a little bit easier to bat on.
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