IND vs SA: What Will Be India's Playing 11 for South Africa Test in Centurion? Shardul Thakur Drops A Massive Hint

Indian all-rounder Shardul Thakur opened up about the challenges of playing in South Africa, labeling it one of the most difficult countries for Test cricket. Shardul Thakur highlighted the unpredictable pitch conditions during Test matches in South Africa.

Team India is set to compete against Temba Bavuma-led South Africa in their second assignment of the 2023-25 World Test Championship cycle. The selectors have chosen a near-full-strength squad, with notable absences of Rishabh Pant and Mohammed Shami.

Can’t Expect What You Will Get From The Pitch – Shardul Thakur

Speaking with Ravichandran Ashwin, Shardul Thakur stressed the importance of assessing the pitch and ground conditions, emphasizing the necessity of a flexible and strategic approach when playing in South Africa.

“I think South Africa is one of the most difficult countries to play Test cricket in. Considering the pitch conditions, even if we play all over the country, this is one country where you can’t expect what you will get from the pitch, so it’s very important to go out there play the game and on the game day, you judge the conditions of the pitch, of the ground, and how it is and put yourself in a position to give your best according to that,” Shardul was quoted as saying in an interview with Ravi Ashwin.

The first Test match between India and South Africa is scheduled to kick off on Boxing Day at Centurion on December 26. The Indian team management is likely to pick either Ravichandran Ashwin or Shardul Thakur as the bowling all-rounder in the starting lineup.

Just Getting Acclimatised To The Weather – Shardul Thakur

Shardul Thakur emphasized the importance of acclimatizing to South Africa’s high altitude. He described the challenge of maintaining performance when dealing with reduced oxygen levels during physical activities, making it one of the most challenging conditions.

“Right now, I am just getting acclimatized to the weather, and I also learned that this is a little high in altitude. So, on the day when you shouldn’t be short of breath when you’re doing some running around or bowling, it’s very important to get the feel.”

“When you’re short of breath, still manage that and bowl out there, or if you’re batting, running between the wickets, how you can still continue your innings, so that is about one of the most challenging conditions in South Africa,” he added.

The 32-year-old played all three matches on India’s last Test tour. The right-arm pacer picked up 11 wickets in three matches at an impressive average of 19.08. He registered his career-best figures of 7/61 in the second Test match during the series.

The selectors have not announced a replacement for Mohammed Shami. Fast bowlers, including Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Mukesh Kumar, and Shardul Thakur, provide considerable depth and skill in the bowling attack.

India has won only four Tests out of 23 matches in South Africa since 1992. The visitors aimed to secure their first red-ball series with a promising position, holding a 1-0 lead in the 2021/22 tour. However, they lost the remaining two matches, resulting in a 2-1 series loss.

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