Gautam Gambhir underlined the vital roles of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in India’s batting success in South Africa, stressing their significance in creating pressure for the bowlers.
As the India-South Africa Test series draws near, Gautam Gambhir expressed concerns about India’s batting strength facing a tough test due to the pace and bounce expected in South African conditions. He stressed Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli’s crucial roles in leading India’s batting, highlighting increased pressure on them against a formidable South African bowling attack.
“Pace, bounce and seam. I believe your batting will definitely be under pressure because South Africa probably do not have the same batting they had in 2011 but their bowling still has the might – (Kagiso) Rabada, (Gerald) Coetzee, (Nandre) Burger and Marco Jansen,” Gambhir said when speaking on Star Sports.
“I believe the pressure will be on Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli because they have that experience. Bowlers definitely win you the series in South Africa but if your batters don’t put runs on the board, you won’t be able to create pressure for your bowlers,” he added.
Gambhir also highlighted Mohammed Shami’s absence, expressing concerns about India’s bowling lineup. With Shami missing, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj step in as primary seamers, while Prasidh Krishna and Mukesh Kumar contend for the third seamer spot. Gambhir anticipated Shardul Thakur’s inclusion, likely partnering with either Ravindra Jadeja or Ravichandran Ashwin. He stressed that the bowling department, especially with Shami absent, faces immense pressure, emphasizing the need for the bowling unit to step up alongside the batting lineup in the upcoming series against South Africa.
Last Updated on December 23, 2023
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