Indian captain Rohit Sharma expressed concern about the absence of Mohammed Shami in the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa, considering it a significant setback for the team. Shami has been ruled out of the series due to a heel injury, with his last appearance being in the ODI World Cup 2023 final against Australia, where he was the leading wicket-taker with 24 wickets in seven matches.
Following the ICC tournament, Rohit Sharma was absent from India’s engagements against Australia and the limited-overs series against South Africa. However, the experienced opener has made a comeback to lead the Indian cricket team in the ongoing Test matches during the tour of South Africa.
“Shami Will Be A Big Miss…” – Rohit Sharma
Ahead of the first Test, Rohit Sharma praised the seamers for their excellent performances in Australia, England, and South Africa, recognizing their crucial role in the team’s success. Rohit said:
“Our seamers have done well in Australia, England, and South Africa. The seamers have actually pulled their weight in. Shami will be a big miss,”
Notably, Mohammad Shami boasts an impressive track record in South Africa, securing 35 wickets in eight matches at an average of 23.23. The team must now choose between Mukesh Kumar and Prasidh Krishna to fill the void left by Shami in the playing XI.
It is time for the Test series and Captain Rohit Sharma is READY! 💪🏾🙌🏽#TeamIndia | @ImRo45 | #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/EYwvGjuKGw
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 24, 2023
Rohit Sharma highlighted the significance of the series, emphasizing that the team has never clinched a series victory in South Africa. He conveyed the team’s strong determination to create history in the South African conditions.
Rohit added: “Very important Test series. We have never won a series here. It’s a big opportunity for us. We came close the last two times. That gives us a lot of excitement and encouragement to do our best,”
“Every Bowler Will Have A Huge Role To Play” – Rohit
Rohit Sharma recognized the vital contribution of spinners like Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, even in conditions that typically favor pace bowling. He said:
“Every bowler will have a huge role to play. Sometimes for the spinners, the role could be to contain. The conditions help the seamers here. We have got two experienced spinners and they know what we require of them.”
As of now, Team India has not managed to secure a Test series victory in South Africa. In their last tour in 2021-22, the Indian cricket team came close to winning the series by clinching the first Test. However, they faced defeat in two subsequent Tests, ultimately concluding the series with a 1-2 scoreline.
After the Centurion Test, India and South Africa are set to compete in the New Year Test at Newlands in Cape Town from January 3 to 7.
