Indian team selection questioned
centurion — Former greats Allan Donald and VVS Laxman today slammed India’s team selection for the second Test against South Africa, saying the move to play Ishant Sharma at the expense of Bhuvneshwar Kumar was baffling.
Coming into the game after a 72-run defeat in the first Test, India made three changes to their playing XI, with KL Rahul replacing Shikhar Dhawan and Ishant coming in for Bhuvneshwar, whose threewicket burst in the first morning at Cape Town rocked the hosts. Wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha was ruled out due to a strain and Parthiv Patel was included is his place.
“Don’t understand how you can leave a bowler out that don’t have more bounce than a taller bowler @ImIshant. @BhuviOfficial has so much skill and accuracy that he brings. It’s like leaving out @VDP_24!” pace legend Donald wrote on his twitter handle, while also making a reference to South Africa pacer Vernon Philander.
Former India batsman Laxman was also surprised. “I am surprised not to find Bhuvi in the playing XI today.”