SA vs IND 2018, 2nd Test: Ishant, KL Rahul Likely to Play Second Test; Bhuvneshwar, Dhawan to Make Way
Published - 13 Jan 2018, 12:05 PM | Updated - 22 Aug 2024, 11:47 PM
Ishant Sharma was all set to play the series opener against South Africa, but sickness ruled him out of the game. Now a fit-again Ishant Sharma is all set to bowl against South Africa, as he will be playing the second Test of the series replacing Bhuvneshwar Kumar, a report in TOI suggests.
The report also adds that in-form batsman, KL Rahul will open the batting for India, replacing a struggling Shikhar Dhawan.
Starting from Ishant, it already got confirmed that he would be opening the bowling in the second Test replacing Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Bhuvneshwar though bowled well in the first Test, but he is expected to get released from the playing XI due to lack of swinging nature of the pitch. Ishant had always spearhead team India’s pace attack outside Asia in the past few years, and again, he will don the leader’s hat.
The place of Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah seems to be safe as of now. Shami though looked a bit rusty in the first Test. Bumrah, who looked like a limited-overs specialist bowler, made a comeback and bowled well in the second innings.
Coming to Dhawan, he had struggled outside Asia most of the times. In the past as well, he had lost his place to other openers and again, is set to be replaced. It will be the first Test for KL Rahul in South Africa, and he will have a stiff challenge to put a price on his wicket and do well.
He, earlier, was known for converting half-centuries into centuries but that has not been the case in his past few Test matches. It is an opportunity for him to score well and gain the spot of the first opener, which he earned during the 2016/17 home season.
The comeback of Ajinkya Rahane is also not expected for this Test match, and Rohit Sharma might save his place in the playing XI. It’s a do or die contest for India and a loss in this game would mean a series loss for the Virat Kohli’s men.
Follow India’s tour to South Africa here: South Africa Vs India – Freedom Series
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