IND vs SA: "Mohammed Shami Will Be A Big Miss But.."- Rohit Sharma Reveals India's 3rd Pacer
Published - 25 Dec 2023, 06:30 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:24 AM
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Indian skipper Rohit Sharma commented on Mohammed Shami’s absence in the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa. Rohit Sharma emphasized that the absence of Mohammed Shami would be a significant setback for the team in the red-ball series.
Mohammed Shami has been ruled out of the Test series due to a heel injury. The right-arm pacer was last seen during the ODI World Cup 2023 final against Australia. The bowler was the leading wicket-taker in the tournament, picking up 24 wickets in seven matches.
Following the ICC tournament, Rohit Sharma was absent from India’s engagements against Australia and the limited-overs series against South Africa. The veteran opener returned to lead the Indian cricket team in Test matches during the ongoing tour of South Africa.
Mohammed Shami Will A Big Miss – Rohit Sharma
Speaking ahead of the first Test match, Rohit Sharma praised the seamers for their commendable performances in Australia, England, and South Africa, highlighting their significant contributions to the team’s success.
“Our seamers have done well in Australia, England, and South Africa. The seamers have actually pulled their weight in. Shami will be a big miss,” Rohit told reporters.
Mohammed Shami holds an impressive track record in South Africa, where he has taken 35 wickets in eight matches at an average of 23.23. The team will need to decide between Mukesh Kumar and Prasidh Krishna to fill the void left by Shami in the playing XI.
Very Important Test Series – Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma emphasized the importance of the series, stating that the team has never won a series in South Africa. He expressed the team’s determination to make history in South Africa.
“Very important Test series. We have never won a series here. It’s a big opportunity for us. We came close the last two times. That gives us a lot of excitement and encouragement to do our best,” Rohit added.
Team India has not secured a Test series victory in South Africa to date. During their last tour in 2021-22, the Indian cricket team came close to winning the series by securing the first Test. However, the visitors lost two Tests, concluding the series with a 1-2 scoreline.
Every Bowler Will Have A Huge Role To Play – Rohit Sharma
The 36-year-old acknowledged the crucial role spinners like Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja play, even in conditions favoring pace bowling.
“Every bowler will have a huge role to play. Sometimes for the spinners, the role could be to contain. The conditions help the seamers here. We have got two experienced spinners and they know what we require of them.”
The T20I series concluded in a draw, while the Men in Blue secured a 2-1 series win in ODIs, concluding the white-ball leg of the Proteas tour. India is set to commence their Test campaign with the 1st Boxing Day Test on December 26 at Centurion’s SuperSport Park.
Following the Centurion Test, India and South Africa are scheduled to face each other in the New Year Test at Newlands in Cape Town from January 3 to 7.
Also read: IND vs SA: “Don’t Know For How Long KL Rahul Wants To Keep Wickets..”- Rohit Sharma
