Rohit Sharma will be missed in South Africa Tests but India still have good options: Zaheer Khan

Team India chases history as they gear up to take on South Africa in the first Test of the three-match series. The Boxing Day clash gets underway on December 26 at the SuperSport Park in Centurion. For the unversed, the rainbow nation is the only country where India haven’t recorded a Test series win. Hence, Virat Kohli’s men would be raring to get this box ticked.

However, their challenge won’t be easy as the visitors miss out on several players due to fitness issues. Rohit Sharma is one of the major absentees from the squad as the veteran opener sustained a hamstring injury ahead of the tour. As the 34-year-old has done well in overseas conditions, his absence might cost Team India big time.

As Shubman Gill is also injured, KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal is set to open the innings. Speaking on this matter, former Indian pacer Zaheer Khan admitted Rohit’s services would be missed in South Africa Tests. However, he also reckoned India have several potent players to fill that spot.

India’s bench strength is looking very good: Zaheer Khan

“The quality of Rohit Sharma you are always going to miss. There is no doubt about it. But if you look at the squad, there are a number of good options to open for India. You need to wait and see which direction the team goes in. There are consistent performers in the team and the bench strength is also looking very good. It is a good headache to have for the team management,” Zaheer was quoted as saying by the Times of India.

Meanwhile, Zaheer has backed the Indian team to win a maiden Test series in South Africa. “It all boils down to the planning and the consistent cricket this team has been playing. They have to just keep things simple. They need to continue what they have been doing. They have been successful in various conditions and the best part is that the bowling unit has been consistently doing well,” said the 43-year-old.

“India will definitely relish the South African conditions and the bowlers will enjoy bowling in those conditions. As a batting unit you need to put up a lot of runs on the board which is a basic requirement, but to win a Test match you need to take 20 wickets. The way Indian bowlers have been bowling, they will be able to do that. I am sure this Indian team will win their maiden series in South Africa,” he added.