India's best bowling attack is going to South Africa, says MSK Prasad

The Chairman of selectors of the Indian Cricket Team MSK Prasad today termed India’s five-pronged pace attack named for the South Africa tour as “one of the best” to have toured that country since every bowler in the squad can bring something different to the table.

The five-man attack comprises of Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Umesh Yadav, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah — each one different from the other and possessing a different skill set. Bumrah, if he gets a game, will be making his debut in the whites after becoming a force to reckon with in limited-overs cricket.

South Africa’s squad for India’s tour still hasn’t been announced but it is likely that there will be very few modifications in the team named for the Boxing Day Test against Zimbabwe. Their bowling attack is a lethal one considering Dale Steyn will be making a comeback when the likes of Kagiso Rabada, Vernon Philander, Andile Phehlukwayo, Morne Morkel and Keshav Maharaj already make it a formidable one.

“I can’t comment on the opposition bowling attack but from our perspective we have one of the best bowling attacks that has toured South Africa,” Prasad told reporters on the sidelines of the Ranji Trophy semi-final, as reported by HT.

“You see Umesh (Yadav) and (Mohammed) Shami might be hitting 140 but they still swing the ball. We also have Bhuvi (Bhuvneshwar Kumar), who can swing the ball either way. We have included Bumrah, who has variety. Ishant (Sharma) is there always and Hardik (Pandya) adds that different dimension,” the former Indian cricketer elaborated.

“So there are five different varieties of bowlers that we have picked,” he said.

Going on a winning note is good

While most of India’s Test wins have come at home and that has played a role in helping them become the No.1 Test team for long, Prasad feels that going into a tough tour with so many victories is a good thing.

“The confidence we have with so many victories in Test matches, though they have come at home but still..going on a winning note is always good. So I am sure this is one of the most balanced teams that we have. It’s a wonderful bunch and more importantly we are going with No.1 Test tag,” said the former India stumper.

Hope for Rahane – India Tour of South Africa

Prasad is one of those who backs Ajinkya Rahane, apart from Sourav Ganguly. Rahane managed 17 runs in five innings against Sri Lanka. However, he is not bothered with the bad patch and reckons he will play a big role as he does, in overseas tours.

“We are not worried. When we go abroad, he is a key player. If you see his performances abroad, you should appreciate. He has got runs across the world. I am absolutely not worried. He is above these things and he has played enough number of years to tackle these situations,” he concluded.