‘Don’t think Ishant will be considered ahead of Siraj’ – MSK Prasad anticipates India’s bowling attack for South Africa Tests

Former Team India chief selector, MSK Prasad, said that Ishant Sharma may not get the nod ahead of Mohammed Siraj in the three-match Test series against South Africa. Although Ishant is among the leading wicket-takers for India in the purest format, he hasn’t been amongst the wickets of late.

Ishant went wicketless in the Kanpur Test against New Zealand before missing the second Test in Mumbai after dislocating a finger on the left hand. However, the veteran has been picked in India’s 18-member squad for the red-ball games against Dean Elgar and Co.

Siraj, on the other hand, has come up the ranks since India’s campaign in the 2020-21 Border Gavaskar Trophy. In 10 Tests, Siraj has already picked up 33 wickets with one five-wicket haul. Prasad backed him to partner Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami in the pace department.

MSK Prasad opines

“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,” Prasad was quoted as saying in India Today.

Moreover, Prasad, also a former Indian wicketkeeper, backed Shardul Thakur to make his way into the playing eleven if the visitors pick five bowlers. Prasad was of the opinion that Thakur lends depth to a batting lineup, having already scored 190 Test runs at an average of 38.

“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,” he added.

Thakur made his debut in 2018, but it was only since the Border Gavaskar Trophy last year that he was able to hog the headlines. Apart from picking up wickets, he chipped in with handy cameos with the bat lower down the order.

For the tour of South Africa, India have picked six fast bowlers, namely Bumrah, Shami, Siraj, Ishant, Thakur and Umesh Yadav. The opening Test is scheduled to get underway on Sunday, December 26 at the SuperSport Park in Centurion. Johannesburg and Cape Town will host the other two Tests followed by a three-match ODI series.