Sanjay Manjrekar names his India XI for Boxing Day Test against South Africa, picks Ravindra Jadeja over R Ashwin

Former India cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has suggested that India might opt for a lone frontline spinner when they face South Africa at SuperSport Park in Centurion on December 26. Manjrekar, known for his astute observations, has backed all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja over the top-ranked Test bowler R Ashwin, who is capable with the bat as well.

"Because it's not known to be a turning pitch, if it is a rank turner or a pitch that is likely to turn a lot, then maybe India might have two spinners," Manjrekar told ESPNcricinfo.

Highlighting Jadeja's overseas batting prowess, Manjrekar asserted, "Ravindra Jadeja at No. 7. I am picking him ahead of Ravichandran Ashwin because of just his batting contributions in foreign Test matches. So, he becomes that one spinner at No. 7."

Ashwin's lackluster performance in the previous South Africa tour seemingly influenced Manjrekar's decision. The off-spinner struggled on the last tour, managing only three wickets from six innings. In contrast, Jadeja's absence due to injury during the same series left a void that India are keen to fill this time.

Let's not forget that Shardul got seven wickets in the last series in South Africa: Sanjay Manjrekar

Furthermore, Manjrekar advocated for depth in the batting order, emphasizing the need for an extra batter down the lineup. His pick for the number eight spot is Shardul Thakur, stating, "In the first Test match, you just want your batting to have some cushion of an extra batter down the order. Plus, let's not forget that Shardul got seven wickets in the last series in South Africa."

Thakur's impactful performance in the previous tour, where he claimed 11 wickets, including a remarkable seven-wicket haul, seems to have left a lasting impression on Manjrekar. 

Sanjay Manjrekar's XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Mukesh Kumar