Navdeep Saini, Shardul Thakur To Join Indian Team Ahead Of Third Test: Reports

Fast bowlers, Navdeep Saini and Shardul Thakur, have been asked to join team India’s nets ahead of the third Test match against South Africa, reports suggest. Both the players were all set to play Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy Super League but will now have to miss the tournament.

However, Shardul was just available for Mumbai for just a game or two, and his absence might not hurt Mumbai. He is a part of India ODI side. But Delhi will be at a big loss. Saini was the star for Delhi in the league face and him being absent from the Super League will leave a big gap in Delhi’s pace department. Captain Pradeep Sangwan and Kulwant Khejroliya are the two strike bowlers left in the side and Delhi will have to look at junior ranks to replace Saini.

It is to be noted that Saini was earlier all set to fly to South Africa as a part of net bowlers’ contingent but had to withdraw as Delhi qualified for the finals of Ranji Trophy. Ankit Rajpoot replaced him.

Though Saini is flying as an unofficial member, there will be no surprise if the team management adds him to the squad officially for the ODI series or maybe for the third Test as well.

Indian team has already lost the series and is currently trailing by 2-0. The sole aim for the Virat Kohli led team will now be to salvage pride by winning the third and the final Test. However, the chances of South Africa making it a 3-0 win looks likely.

The third and the final Test of the series starts on January 24 at New Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. South Africa are not expected to make any changes in the team while once again, India might continue the practice of changing and chopping.

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