IND vs SA: Should India Drop Prasidh Krishna, Shardul Thakur In 2nd Test? Sanjay Manjrekar Responds

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar shared his verdict on Prasidh Krishna’s outing in the first Test against South Africa. He believes that it will be harsh to drop the pacer just after one game and he hopes that management gives the pacer a long run.

Karnataka pacer Prasidh Krishna didn’t have the kind of debut he would’ve wanted. The fast bowler looked out of sorts in the first Test against South Africa in Centurion and was taken for quite a few runs in the game.

Ahead of the game, many were excited to see Prasidh Krishna go about the business. But it’s fair to say that he was one of the biggest disappointments for the team in the game. The pacer didn’t live up to the expectations and conceded 93 runs in 20 overs.

Prasidh Krishna bagged one just wicket in the game and it won’t be a surprise if he gets dropped from the team for the second game. With India having Mukesh Kumar and Avesh Khan in the ranks, there are high chances that he will have to make way for one of them.

Sanjay Manjrekar however, feels if Mukesh Kumar replaces Prasidh Krishna it will not make many happy. The cricketer-turned-commentator mentioned that management would’ve been impressed with the way the Karnataka pacer bowled in nets and he expects them to give him a fair run.

Sanjay Manjrekar feels that after the thrashing of an innings and 32-run loss, India will make some changes to their XI. He highlighted that had Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri been there they would’ve continued with the same team. Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, he explained:

“It will be a little harsh to drop Prasidh Krishna after one because, if you look at him, he is not somebody who hits the deck hard. He sort of uses his height. Anything that he pitches up is a bit floaty. The only ball that has a bit of pace and strength are short balls.

“If Mukesh Kumar plays, I don’t think too many people will be unhappy. They will be looking at how he is bowling in the nets and think if it is fair on Prasidh Krishana because that is something the new management cares about, giving a fair run.

“The earlier team management would have been ruthless. Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri were trigger-happy with such things. These guys might give one more go. But it is a two-match series, they might be keen to make changes.”

IND vs SA: Shardul Thakur plays because he can bat – Sanjay Manjrekar

After India’s disappointing loss in the first Test, there have been a lot of questions put up on Shardul Thakur’s place in the team. The bowling all-rounder didn’t have a great outing with the ball as he gave away 101 runs in 19 overs.

Sanjay Manjrekar while talking about Shardul Thakur said that the Mumbaikar plays because he bats down the order. He explained that India are worried about their batting in foreign conditions and hence the bowling all-rounder plays. He explained:

“Shardul Thakur plays because he can bat. He plays especially in foreign conditions because India is always a little wary of their batting, and you saw why India is a little uncertain about their batting, and hence, Shardul Thakur tends to make the playing XI.”

India were disappointing with both bat and ball in the first Test against South Africa. They struggled to get going with bat as they posted 245 runs in the first innings and then were bundled out for just 131 runs. With the ball, they conceded 408 runs.

They would now be hoping to make a comeback in the second Test. The game will be played from 3rd January at Newlands in Cape Town.