India need to score 500 plus runs: Wasim Jaffer

Veteran Indian Test cricketer and star domestic batsman, Wasim Jaffer stated that the Indian team need to put up a considerable amount of runs on the scoreboard to give them a chance in the ongoing fixture at Centurion. Jaffer, who has won every Ranji Trophy final he has played in, opined that the Men in Blue will need to post at least north of 500 runs if they fancy winning the second Test.

After bowling out the hosts for 335, the Kohli-led team had the chance to build a grand total and establish their dominion in the match. But to his demise, the top order failed terribly, with Vijay’s 46 the only rescue. However, the Indian skipper took it upon himself scoring a tenacious 85 bring some stability to India’s innings. India eventually culminated Day 2 at 183/5, with Kohli at the crease, partnered by Hardik Pandya on 11.

Speaking of India’s chances, Jaffer told reporters on sidelines of an event in Mumbai, “We have bowled them out, now we need to bat really well. If we get 500 plus in this (first) innings, I see India levelling the series. Most of them have played in South Africa, they have been there and other countries like Australia, England and New Zealand, they know what to do, they just need time in the middle and once they get going, this wicket will suit Indian batsman.”

He added, “We are in a very strong position. We made a very good comeback on the first day evening when (Hashim) Amla got run out and we got six wickets (in the day).”

Squad selection raises questions

After a defeat in the opener, it was evident that the team lineup will go through certain permutations. And so it did, as the Kohli-led side made three changes ahead of the second Test. While Dhawan was axed to make way for KL Rahul, the most surprising decision was dropping the in-form Bhuvaneshwar Kumar. Kumar had to sit out as a tall, lanky Ishant Sharma was given preference.

The only other change was Parthiv Patel coming in for gloveman Wriddhian Saha, who had to sit out with an injury. Although the changes should be left totally in the hands of the skipper and the coach, several veterans of the game, however, couldn’t stop raising questions about this team selection.

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