Shardul Thakur is the best choice if India go in with five bowlers against SA: MSK Prasad

With the Indian team comprising of several top-class fast bowlers, leaving out a few of them for the first Test against South Africa gets difficult. One of them happens to be Shardul Thakur, who can bat as well. Former chief selector of the BCCI MSK Prasad was of the opinion that the right-arm pacer would feature in the XI for the Boxing day Test.

The bowling all-rounder has been in amazing form this year. He has picked 14 wickets in three Tests at an average of 22.07 and has also scored 232 runs at an average of 37.20. This includes three fifties as well. Coincidentally, all his half-centuries came when the team was in a spot of bother.

Thus, it wouldn’t be an overstatement to call him a complete package. Besides, he played a crucial role in his side’s victories with the bowl, as well as the bat at the Gabba and the Oval. Thus, the former chief selector felt that he needs to feature in the XI at Centurion.

I don’t think Ishant will be considered ahead of Siraj on current form: MSK Prasad 

“I think Shardul Thakur is the best choice if they go in with five bowlers as he also gives the option of a steady No.7 batter and we also have Ravichandran Ashwin,” said MSK Prasad, as quoted by India Today. Thus, he felt that having the 30-year-old could strengthen the batting depth as well. Besides, the Mumbai cricketer does have a knack for making things happen for his team.

The former keeper also said that the talented pacer Mohammed Siraj would play over Ishant Sharma. He felt that based on current form, the 27-year-ago deserves the nod ahead of the veteran pacer. He also went on to say that four bowlers were confirmed, and named them all out.

“Four bowlers in this line-up are now confirmed if all fit – Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Ashwin, and Mohammed Siraj. I don’t think Ishant will be considered ahead of Siraj on current form,” he said.