‘He is not a baby’: Ravi Shastri slams India player, wants Rohit to call up young star from India

South Africa defeated India in the first Test match between the two countries on December 26 and 28 by an innings and 32 runs. India batted first and obtained 245 runs in their first innings, with KL Rahul scoring 101. Following that, South Africa struck out a challenging 408 in their first innings, led by Dean Elgar's outstanding 185. India scored just 131 in their second innings, while South Africa's Nandre Burger and Marco Jansen were superb with the ball. Dean Elgar was selected Player of the Match for his superb batting performance. The game was held at the SuperSport Park Cricket Stadium.  

3 things you need to know 

• India lost to South Africa by an innings and 32 runs 
• Dean Elgar was named Player of the Match in the first Test
• The Indian Cricket Team didn't perform at its best level

Also Read: SA beat India by an innings & 32 runs in 1st Test

Ravi Shastri would like to see Arshdeep Singh in India’s Test squad 

Former India coach Ravi Shastri believes left-arm pacer Arsheep Singh has the potential to be a useful asset for India in Test cricket, particularly in abroad settings. Shastri expressed his sentiments following Arsheep's poor performance in India's innings defeat against South Africa on Boxing Day.

Arsheep's ability to swing the ball is a prominent feature of his cricketing skills. Unlike many others, he does not just angle it across; instead, he swings the fresh ball away from right-handers. This unusual talent was on display during his tenure in South Africa, where he demonstrated his prowess with the white ball. Notably, Arsheep performed admirably in the ODI series against South Africa on December 17, 2023, in Johannesburg. During this game, he took five wickets for 37 runs, demonstrating his potential influence as a bowler with the capacity to make a difference in critical moments. Speaking on Star Sports, Ravi Shastri said: 

“Two bowlers were decently experienced - Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. But then, they missed Shami big time in this Test match. Yes, Shardul has experience. He (Shardul) is not a baby, but he is not the third seamer. You need a proper third seamer in overseas conditions,”

Shastri has emphasised the importance of Arshdeep's first-class track record in determining his eligibility for the Test team. Arshdeep has an impressive record, having played in 12 first-class matches and taking 38 wickets with an average of 29.97 and an economy rate of 3.12. Notably, his ability to bowl long periods, which is essential in Test cricket, has been demonstrated in his performances.

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Arshdeep signed with Kent in 2023 to play in five County Championship games, displaying his dedication to improving this talent. This choice demonstrates his commitment to improving his ability to bowl extended stints, bolstering his desire to contribute successfully to the demands of Test cricket. Ravi Shastri added: 

“The fact is, you have to see his (Arshdeep's) first-class record. Can he bowl long spells? Has he played a lot of Ranji Trophy cricket? I would, in fact, make him go and play a lot of Ranji Trophy cricket. Frist-class cricket. I would keep him in the mix because if someone can swing it, like he did with the white-ball in South Africa, he could be a handy customer here,”