From December 26, India will contest 3 Tests and 3 ODIs versus South Africa. The Test team for the series has been released by the BCCI. Furthermore, before the decision, India’s former cricketer turned commentator Aakash Chopra suggests that Mohammed Siraj have to be given a chance instead of Ishant Sharma.
Siraj has been a key player for the squad in the longest format from his debut. He has successfully got some remarkable outings for the sides, displaying his incomparable elegance. Chopra lavished praise on the speedster, claiming that he adds a great deal of energy to the approach. He also believes that assuming South Africa’s track conditions, Siraj will become more beneficial than Ishant.
There have been injury concerns surrounding Ishant Sharma in the recent past: Chopra
“Let’s talk about Siraj. He brings energy to the attack, he gives 120% on every delivery. He is ready to go through the wall for the captain. In South Africa, you don’t need bowlers who get the movement in the air. You need bowlers who hit the deck and who can get the movement off the surface. Siraj hits the deck hard. He is very intense, and according to me, Siraj is already the third-choice fast bowler. If India plays South Africa tomorrow, I’ll pick Bumrah, Shami, and Mohammed Siraj,” said Chopra.
Chopra also stated that Ishant Sharma is a great choice considering his unique set of skills. Furthermore, he stated there have been fitness worries around the pacer in recent times, raising questions on his spot in the team.
“Ishant Sharma is good, there’s no doubt. He has played 100+ Tests; to play so many Tests as a fast bowler is no mean feat. However, there have been injury concerns surrounding him in the recent past,” Chopra said.
The forthcoming Test series will indeed be a component of the 2021-23 cycle of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC). Despite the team’s recent results in foreign circumstances, India will be confident in dominating the proceedings versus South Africa.
