'You saw why India is uncertain': IND legend explains why Shardul Thakur always makes it to the team

South Africa won the first Test match between India and South Africa, which took place from December 26th to December 28th, by an innings and 32 runs. India batted first, scoring 245 runs in their first innings, with KL Rahul leading the way with 101 runs. In response to India's effort, South Africa recorded a dominant total of 408 in their first innings, led by Dean Elgar's 185-run performance. In the second innings of the match, India faced a strong struggle and could only achieve a score of 131. The bowling prowess of South Africans Nandre Burger and Marco Jansen shined through throughout this session. Their outstanding performance was critical in limiting India's run flow. Dean Elgar, recognised for his outstanding batting performance, was unquestionably the match's best performer 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 failed to perform at its best level

Also Read: MS Dhoni suggests an individual to visit Pakistan

Sanjay Manjrekar made a huge statement regarding Prasidh Krishna’s struggles vs South Africa 

Sanjay Manjrekar stated that in the Virat Kohli-Ravi Shastri era, India bowler Prasidh Krishna would most likely have been dropped after his difficult maiden Test in Centurion. After a tough outing in which Prasidh managed only one wicket while giving 93 runs over two innings, Manjrekar stated that such a performance might not have been permitted under the Kohli-Shastri era's rigorous selection method.

Following India's first Test match against South Africa, Manjrekar indicated that Indian cricket fans may not be upset if Prasidh was left out of the playing XI. Instead, there may be a desire to see Mukesh Kumar perform during the second Test match. Manjrekar stated this on ESPNcricinfo:

“If Mukesh Kumar plays, I don't think too many people will be unhappy. They will be looking at how he is bowling in the nets and think if it is fair on Prasidh Krishana because that is something the new management cares about, giving a fair run. The earlier team management would have been ruthless. Virat Kohli and Ravi Shastri were trigger-happy with such things," 

“These guys might give one more go. But it is a two-match series, they might be keen to make changes,”

Also Read: Ex-Indian Bowler criticizes Team India’s decision

Apart from the attention directed towards Prasidh Krishna, questions were also raised over the bowling performance of Shardul Thakur. Sanjay Manjrekar stated that he thinks Thakur would probably continue to play for the Indian squad in spite of this. Manjrekar gave Thakur credit for this choice, citing his versatility as a bowler and his skill as a batsman, especially while playing abroad. He added: 

“Shardul Thakur plays because he can bat. He plays especially in foreign conditions because India is always a little wary of their batting, and you saw why India is a little uncertain about their batting, and hence, Shardul Thakur tends to make the playing XI,”

Team India’s updated squad for the 2nd Test against South Africa 

Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Prasidh Krishna, KS Bharat (wk), Abhimanyu Easwaran, Avesh Khan