'You got to show some faith' - Rohit Sharma hints at persisting with Prasidh Krishna in Cape Town Test

Team India will be desperate to make a strong comeback in the two-match Test series against South Africa as they take them on in the second Test on Wednesday, January 02 at Newlands, Cape Town. The Rohit Sharma-led side was hammered by an innings and 32 runs in the opening game in Centurion having failed to score 400 runs across two innings and getting bundled out for 245 and 131 respectively.

Hence, the second Test proves to be a must-win affair for the world’s number one-ranked Test side who will be desperate to avoid another series loss in South Africa. Ahead of the game, India captain Rohit Sharma hinted at sticking with the same bowling attack in the second Test despite the below-par performances of Prasidh Krishna and Shardul Thakur saying that he needs to show faith in them.

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“I still feel that sometimes we've got a little bit of inexperience in our bowling and sometimes when you have that, you got to show some faith in them. Show trust in them and that can happen to any team. But obviously for us, like I said in the last post-match press conference about Prasidh being playing his first game, we all get nervous when you're playing your first game. It's understandable,” Sharma was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

Notably, Sharma had stated that Krishna seemed nervous on his Test debut as he registered figures of 1/93 in 20 overs. However, he still believes he’s got what it takes to succeed in Tests.

“I'll still back that thought of mine, saying that he's got good ability to succeed at this level and especially in this format. So it's just about showing faith and trust in everyone and getting the job done from them,” he added.

Krishna was a part of team India’s practice session in Centurion on December 30 where he was seen working with the Indian bowling coach Paras Mhambrey on his line and length. He was further seen bowling along with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj on Monday, January 1 in Cape Town.

Further speaking ahead, the Indian skipper revealed that they haven’t finalized their playing XI yet and everyone is available for selection with no one injured.

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Everyone is available for selection, there's no injury concern: Rohit Sharma

“Although we've had a brief chat with the management, the coaching staff, what we want from this game and what we want from the bowlers in this game, we've not completely finalised our playing level. Obviously, everyone is available for selection. There's no injury concern. All of them who are here are available to play. We'll sit down in the evening,” he said.

Notably, India haven’t won a Test in Cape Town in six attempts having lost four games at the venue while two have been drawn. The Asian giants will be desperate for a win in the upcoming fixture to tie just their second Test series in South Africa having lost seven out of eight times so far.