Former Indian wicketkeeper-batter Nayan Mongia feels that fast bowler Prasidh Krishna has the potential to excel in South African conditions. BCCI included Krishna in India's squad for the two-match Test series against South Africa.
The tour comprises a three-match T20I series and a three-match ODI series, concluding with the highly anticipated Freedom Series for the Gandhi-Mandela Trophy, featuring Test matches. India are scheduled to play the first Test against South Africa in Centurion from December 26 to December 30, followed by the second Test in Cape Town from January 3 to January 7.
In an interview with Star Sports, Mongia expressed that Krishna, being more suited to the longer format, has the potential to perform exceptionally well on South African pitches. Krishna has faced challenges in white-ball cricket for India recently, evident in conceding 68 runs against Australia in the third T20I of the ongoing series.
"I am happy for Prasidh Krishna. He is a longer-format bowler. With the sort of pace he has and the bounce he gets, he can be an excellent bowler on South African wickets. I am a big fan of Prasidh Krishna, especially in Test cricket," said Mongia.
He further said that the right-arm pacer could receive valuable guidance from Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, and Mohammed Siraj. Krishna has achieved an impressive record of 49 wickets in 11 first-class matches, boasting an average of 17.61.
"It's good he has been given an opportunity. He can be groomed properly under Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Mohammed Siraj. If he gets a chance, he shouldn't waste it. You won't get a better opportunity than this. You will get to bowl against South Africa in South Africa. You won't get better wickets than that," Mongia added.
The BCCI selection committee met in New Delhi on November 30 and decided that Bumrah, heading the pace attack, will serve as the deputy to Rohit Sharma for the upcoming two-Test series beginning in Centurion on December 26.
Rohit and Kohli have opted not to participate in the white-ball series, having requested a leave of absence from the board. Meanwhile, pacer Shami is presently undergoing medical treatment, and his availability for the series depends on his recovery.
India Test Squad for South Africa Tour
Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Ishan Kishan (WK), KL Rahul (WK), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Mohd. Shami*, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Prasidh Krishna.
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