Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has demanded the inclusion of fast bowler Mukesh Kumar in the Indian team in the second Test match against South Africa at Newlands, Cape Town. Mukesh, who made his Test debut last year against West Indies at the Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain, Trinidad, managed to take one wicket there.
Manjrekar advised not to include Shardul Thakur and Prasidh Krishna together in the playing XI and also stressed on making a balanced combination. Highlighting Mukesh’s ability to adapt to challenging situations and suggesting strategic changes. 58-year-old Manjrekar said that fast bowler Mukesh Kumar can prove to be important for Team India in the upcoming match.
Mukesh Kumar should get a chance in the second test match- Sanjay Manjrekar
Sanjay Manjrekar was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo, “From what we have seen in the first Test, I do not expect Shardul Thakur and Prasidh Krishna to play together in the second Test. There will definitely be a change, if Ravindra Jadeja is fit then it will strengthen our batting. So, if Mukesh Kumar is bowling well in the nets, he can be brought in. He is more suitable for these circumstances.”
India are trailing 0-1 in the series after an innings defeat in the opening Test at the SuperSport Park in Centurion. Manjrekar suggested that, despite the failure in the first Test, captain Rohit Sharma and coach Rahul Dravid could be seen supporting Yashasvi Jaiswal. Expressing hope of a better pitch in Cape Town, this experienced player has expressed hope of an exciting match in the upcoming match.
Sanjay Manjrekar further said, “Since it is a two-match series, you are sometimes forced to make some changes. However, I do not think India will make any major changes in their batting lineup. Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid must have seen how Yashasvi Jaiswal played and they will continue to support him. When it comes to batting you can’t change things with selection. You can just hope that the pitch is a little easier to bat on.”
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