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Jansen’s 6-Wicket Burst Exposes India; Shastri Calls Out Selection Errors
Ind vs SA, Ravi Shastri lashed out at Gautam Gambhir: Ravi Shastri, with India heading for defeat in the Guwahati Test, criticized Gautam Gambhir for his team selection missteps. He said some selections will leave you confused.
Former India captain and former head coach Ravi Shastri expressed disappointment over India's first innings batting approach in the second Test against South Africa in Guwahati. Gautam Gambhir has tried a number of players at the number 3 slot of late without finding success. In the Kolkata Test, Washington Sundar was sent up to that number. Then ahead of the second match, Sai Sudharshan was brought back into the playing XI to play in this spot and Sundar was pushed down to number 8. The reshuffle did little good for the Indian team. Batting continued to disappoint the team who collapsed for 201 in response to South Africa's impressive 489.
In a Star Network interview, Shastri strongly questioned the team's planning and clarity, saying, "Absolutely not... It makes no sense. I don't understand the reason. When they review this series, some of these selections will confuse them. In Kolkata, you selected four spinners, and one of them bowled only one over, whereas you could have easily selected a specialist batsman."
He further said that after batting Washington at number three in the last Test, you could have played him at number four today, because you already had a number three. He's not number eight. He's much better than that. The former all-rounder said that despite the turmoil at the top, Sundar and Kuldeep Yadav fought back, adding 72 valuable runs for the eighth wicket after India were 122 for seven at the Barsapara Stadium. Their struggles helped India cross 200, but the deficit remained at a significant 288.
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Washington Sundar was dismissed for 48 off 92 balls, while Kuldeep held on for 19 off 134 balls. Marco Jansen performed brilliantly with the ball for South Africa, taking 6 wickets for 48 runs. Simon Harmer supported him well, taking 3 wickets for 64 runs.
It is very difficult for the Indian cricket team to win from here. After a lead of 288 in the first innings, South Africa scored 26 runs without losing a wicket in their second innings at stumps on the third day. Ryan Rickelton was on 13 and Aiden Markram on 12. The African team's lead has now increased to 314 runs. They will look to set India a big target by playing two sessions on the fourth day.
