India are undecided on their pace combination ahead of the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town, which begins on Wednesday.
A listless pace attack, barring Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, contributed hugely towards the innings loss on a lively wicket in the opener in Centurion.
It is understood that no decision has yet been taken on Shardul Thakur’s place in the team. The pacer’s bowling skills has come under a lot of introspection after he took only seven wickets in his last seven Tests. He has though recovered from the shoulder injury suffered during practice on Saturday.
The Indians had their first practice session at Newlands on Monday morning. While Prasidh Krishna could get another opportunity, Mukesh Kumar remains in the mix for the second Test.
The Indians had added Avesh Khan to the squad after his five-wicket haul for India A against South Africa A. But if the think-tank decides to drop Shardul, Mukesh could be tried out. The Bengal youngster made his debut against the West Indies in Port of Spain and impressed with his performance.
But unless the India pacers manage to derive the same amount of pace and seam movement while capitalising on the uneven bounce as their South African counterparts, they will struggle.
Ravindra Jadeja, who missed the first Test due to stiffness in the lower back, is available for selection. Since India will go in with four pacers, Ravichandran Ashwin could have to sit out.
