The focus is on Rohit Sharma's brigade as they prepare for the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town, starting from January 3. Following a defeat by an innings and 32 runs in the first Test, Team India is under pressure to secure a victory in the second Test in order to level the series. India's track record in South Africa has been underwhelming, with no Test wins at this venue. Currently positioned at number 6 in the World Test Championship points table, a victory in this match could significantly improve their chances of reaching the WTC final.
Prior to the Test match, when questioned about India's performance lagging behind South Africa in the first innings, Rohit offered a candid and straightforward response.
"Agar aap peeche bhi rehte ho, aap Kitna peeche rehte hothat is important. We were almost 160 behind. In these kinds of wickets that is a lot. The total that we put up was good. 245 on that pitch. When they were stitching the stand, we wanted to let them go too far ahead. You always need to find a way into the game. We need to show application.. We have seen in the past too that India we can do well after falling behind," Rohit said in the pre-match press conference on Tuesday, January 2.
When inquired about the playing XI for the second Test, Rohit faced questions regarding potential team changes, specifically addressing speculations about Prasidh Krishna possibly being replaced by Mukesh Kumar.
"We have not completely finalized our playing XI. All are available to play. We will sit down and decide. I still feel sometimes...we have inexperience in our bowling. In such a case we have to show trust in the team. I still stand by what I said in the post match press conference after the first test. Prasidh Krishna has got good ability to succeed at this level. It was his first match. It is understandable to get nervous," Rohit added.
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