India Cricket Team have faced immense criticism after surrendering the IND vs SA 1st Test meekly within three days in Centurion. Now, Rohit Sharma & Co face another daunting challenge in Cape Town, where they have never won a Test match. While the Final Frontier will remain unconquered, the aim is to level the series by breaching Cape Town fortress with an improved bowling show in SA vs IND 2nd Test starting Jan 3.
India have a 0-4 record in Cape Town in six Tests having played 6 matches. In the last two tours, India lost both matches at Newlands by 72 runs and 7 wickets, respectively. But to level the series and avoid two consecutive series in South Africa, India must win.
Bowling in focus
Until 2021, the pace bowling unit was India’s pride in overseas conditions. They won matches in Australia and England and even South Africa. However, they looked clueless in Centurion.
Even though Jasprit Bumrah was at his best, scalping four wickets, Mohammed Siraj faded away while Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakur had torrid times. Dean Elgar commanded an Indian bowling attack with an 185-run knock.
Captain Rohit Sharma did back the bowling unit after the crushing an innings and 32-run loss but even he knew bowling wasn’t at par.
India did try to course correct and prepare to hit the line and length ahead of SA vs IND 2nd Test. Bowling coach Paras Mhambrey put two markers on the pitch and asked Bumrah & Co to bowl in between those 6-8m marks.
Team News for SA vs IND 2nd Test
For India, Shardul Thakur has overcome a shoulder injury scare and is available for selection. However, it’s unclear whether he will get the nod ahead of Mukesh Kumar. The one change India are sure to make is Ravichandran Ashwin making way for Ravindra Jadeja in India Playing XI for 2nd Test.
Prasidh Krishna is also under the scanner after a horrid Test debut. But as Rohit Sharma said, the pitch will be similar to Centurion and he might just keep his place.
For South Africa, Temba Bavuma is out injured once again. Zubayr Hamza will come in his place. It’s still unclear whether Lungi Ngidi is fit to play. If he is available, he could return.
However, the focus will be on Dean Elgar. He will lead South Africa in Temba Bavuma’s absence. And it will be his farewell Test.
Predicted India Playing XI: Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna/Mukesh Kumar
Predicted South Africa Playing XI: Dean Elgar (C), Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Keegan Petersen, Zubayr Hamza, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (WK), Marco Jansen, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Nandre Burger
- Match: SA vs IND 2nd Test
- Venue: Newlands, Cape Town
- Time: 1:30 PM IST, Toss at 1 PM IST
- LIVE Broadcast: Star Sports
- LIVE Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar
