SA vs IND: India to play five bowlers in Centurion, hints KL Rahul
KL Rahul (Image Credit:Twitter)
The South Africa tour of India is all set to get underway on December 26 in Centurion. Ahead of the important game, India vice-captain KL Rahul has hinted that India will go in with five specialist bowlers. South Africa have been a tough country for India batters. Also, the form of middle-order batters is not that great. Given the vulnerability in India batting, many felt India may play an extra batter to add depth to their batting. However, KL hinted that India will go in with 5 bowlers. Rahul said the strategy has worked well for India as it allows the team to take 5 wickets.
“I think most teams have started playing five bowlers and every team wants to pick up 20 wickets and that’s the only way you can win a Test match. We have used this tactic and it has helped us in away games,” Rahul told.
Rahul also spoke about India’s dilemma for the number 5 spot. India have to pick one between Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer and Hanuma Vihari for the slot. Rahane is going through a lean patch but has the experience of playing in the South Africa conditions. Meanwhile, Iyer made a staggering debut against New Zealand. Vihari has also done well for India in overseas conditions. Rahul admitted that it won’t be an easy call to make.
“It is a very, very difficult decision. Ajinkya has played crucial knocks for India including the one in Melbourne or in Lord’s recently. He has been a key player for us. Shreyas has taken his chances. Hanuma has also done the same for us. We will have a chat about that today or tomorrow,” he added.
