'He can contribute with both bat and ball' - Sanjay Bangar feels Shardul Thakur is a must pick for South Africa Tests

Former India coach Sanjay Bangar feels Shardul Thakur must certainly be included in the team in the upcoming South Africa Tests. India have been dealt a couple of blows before the start of the tour already, as they do not have the services of premier all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja and opener Rohit Sharma, who both are injured and under rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.

Jadeja picked an injury on his right forearm, which forced him out of the second Test against New Zealand in Mumbai recently, whereas Rohit injured himself during a practice session ahead of the series.

Furthermore, injuries to spinner Axar Patel and opener Shubman Gill means the visiting team have quite a few spots to fill.  Bangar opines that in their absence, Thakur certainly warrants a place in the side, not least because of his performances against Australia and England in the last year.

Shardul Thakur can contribute with both bat and ball: Sanjay Bangar

Highlighting his importance, Bangar, during an interaction with Star Sports, said: “There is definitely a place for Shardul Thakur because in all the major victories in the last season that have come for India, he has contributed and in overseas conditions, you require a batsman who can bowl a bit,”

“He fits in that category because he can contribute with the bat and with the ball, he can contribute with a couple of wickets, as he displayed in the England series as well,” added Bangar.

He further reckoned that Kohli’s template of fielding four spinners and a spinner will work in Thakur’s favour. “I would think the reasoning behind and the way the captain wants to have a say because ultimately it’s the captain’s team. Yes, Rahul Dravid can throw up some contrasting views because that is what a coach’s job is, probably put up his case and then see what the captain thinks.

“But prior to the Oval Test match, you already saw what Virat Kohli’s thought process suggests and from a distance, it seems that he is resigned to the fact that he wants to play with four seamers and one spinner in overseas conditions,” Bangar further said.

India will play three Tests and as many ODIs from December 26 to January 23 in South Africa.