IND vs SA: Revealed- Why Shardul Thakur Is Not Playing Today's Match vs South Africa And Who Has Replaced Him?

After enduring a shambolic loss in the 1st Test, Rohit Sharma and co. will enter the Newlands Cricket Ground with a renewed hope of beating South Africa and equalizing the series. However, during the toss time, Rohit Sharma yet again lost the coin toss with the Proteas electing to bat first and explained why Shardul Thakur who conceded 101 runs in the 1st test, sits out from the playing XI for the all-important 2nd test.

Rohit Sharma after losing the toss claimed that he would have liked to bat first as well as he thought it was a good pitch to bat first. He also stated that seamers are going to get help from the surface and revealed that Shardul has been replaced with Mukesh Kumar for an improved bowling lineup.

The Indian captain claimed that due to the Newlands surface being favorable for fast bowlers, they are looking to make full use of it and pick up 20 wickets across both the innings. He also highlighted the importance of leaving the past in the past and trying to be better on the given day.

He also said during the toss that the entire team especially the bowling department knows what exactly the game plan is going to be and they are going to do what they couldn’t in the 1st test.

“Important to forget what’s happened in the past. We understand the importance of getting runs on the board, and getting 20 wickets. Didn’t happen in the first game but we’re upbeat about what we can achieve here”

Ravindra Jadeja And Mukesh Kumar Come In For Ashwin And Shardul Thakur

Even if the Indian batters tried their best to score runs in a tricky surface at Centurion, the bowling department faltered badly, especially the likes of Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakur. The former’s performance would still be forgiven as he was making his debut but Shardul Thakur who took 7 wickets at the same venue in Johannesburg during India’s previous tour to the Rainbow nation.

Shardul Thakur has been replaced with Mukesh Kumar whose only test match appearance came last year in July during India’s tour to West Indies. Mukesh is known for his accurate line-length, disciplined mindset and a hit the deck type of a bowler.

In slightly hotter overhead conditions at Newlands, Mukesh Kumar could come in handy and Rohit Sharma will hope that his inclusion at the expense of Shardul Thakur makes a difference.

Ravindra Jadeja who had to miss the 1st test due to spasms on his back before the start of Day 1, replaces Ravichandran Ashwin after the off-spinner failed to put any impact whatsoever with his trickery. Meanwhile the game at Cape Town has begun with Dean Elgar and Aiden Markram trying to get the hosts off to a flyer.