IND vs SA: If India Are Looking At A Youngster, Then Hanuma Vihari Should Be Played – MSK Prasad

Former India chief selector MSK Prasad has backed the inclusion of middle-order batsman Hanuma Vihari in the Test playing XI in the India tour of South Africa 2021.

Vihari was not included in the Test squad for the two-match series against New Zealand at home and in the eleventh hour, he was added to India ‘A’ squad for the South Africa tour. Vihari utilised every bit of the opportunity and he smashed 3 consecutive fifties in the unofficial Tests against South Africa A in Bloemfontein.

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Meanwhile, instead of Vihari India picked Shreyas Iyer in the team for the New Zealand series and he smashed a sensational century and a half-century on his debut. Both Iyer and Vihari have been added to the Test squad for the South Africa tour and it will be interesting to see who will get the chance in playing XI.

Speaking to India Today Prasad said that Vihari deserved to be part of the New Zealand series but he was unfortunate to miss the matches. He added that the 28-year-old has done a good job for India in away games and he should be played.

“First, of all, he was deserving of a place in the squad for the New Zealand series at home. I think since he was not going to get an opportunity, they would have sent him for India A tour. Now in the 2nd unofficial Test, he has hit two (three) half-centuries. Yes, having somebody who has done well in away series in England, Australia and West Indies. If you are looking at a youngster, then Hanuma Vihari should be played,” Prasad said.

Prasad further said that a lot will depend on the expectations of management from the middle-order batsman and based on that Iyer or Vihari will be included in the team. He asserted:

“A lot depends on what they are expecting from the player, the role he is going to play. Hanuma Vihari is a guy who is solid in his technique. Similarly, Shreyas Iyer is someone who can bring in a little aggression. So it all depends on the batting order and what kind of role that the team management expects of their middle-order batter. Based on that, one of them can be given an opportunity.”

Mohammed Siraj Is The Third In The Order And He Is Giving A Run For The Money For The 1st And 2nd Slots – MSK Prasad

Prasad lauded pacer Siraj for his amazing performance for India in Tests and said that he will be the third pacer in the South Africa Test series alongside Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami.

“I think he is the third in the order and he is giving a run for the money for the 1st and 2nd slots (in the pace attack) also with the kind of performances he has put in. In all fairness, it will be Bumrah, Shami and Siraj will be the third pacer by default.”

Former India chief selector MSK Prasad feels that India did a mistake by not including Siraj in the playing XI in the Kanpur Test against New Zealand. Speaking to India Today he stated:

“Even the Indian team missed a trick by not playing in the first Test match (against New Zealand in Kanpur). Now, having two seniors at home is a little difficult. You could have gone with Siraj and Ishant or Siraj and Umesh. You need that youthful exuberance. I feel that was a mistake for the Kanpur Test.”

Meanwhile, the India tour of South Africa has been postponed by a week and it is set to begin from December 26 and India will play 3 Tests and as many as ODIs in the tour.

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