Former BCCI chief selector MSK Prasad has backed Shardul Thakur for the Boxing Day Test of the upcoming three-match Test series against South Africa, starting on Sunday, December 26 in Centurion.
The former cricketer believes that Shardul would be the best choice for India if they play five bowlers, along with Mohammad Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, and R Ashwin, to play in the upcoming first Test against South Africa in Centurion, given his batting abilities.
Thakur played crucial roles with ball and bat in India's Test wins against Australia at the Gabba and against England at The Oval.
The pacer has been in excellent form with the ball this year in Tests, having taken 14 wickets at an average of 22.07 and scoring 232 runs with the bat at 37.20 in 3 games.
Prasad had told PTI: “I think Shardul Thakur is the best choice if they go in with five bowlers as he also gives the option of a steady No.7 batter and we also have Ravichandran Ashwin.”
He also suggested that the Indian team prefers Siraj over the experienced Ishant Sharma, given the current form of the latter. Notably, Siraj picked up 28 wickets from 9 tests, while Ishant has managed just 14 scalps from 8 games this year.
Prasad signed off by saying, “Four bowlers in this line-up are now confirmed if all fit - Bumrah, Shami, Ashwin and Mohammed Siraj. I don't think Ishant will be considered ahead of Siraj on current form.”
(With PTI Inputs)
