Updated On: 30 December, 2023 07:00 AM IST | Centurion | R Kaushik
Despite India pacer Krishna’s rough Test debut against SA with figures of 1-93 in 20 overs, skipper Rohit plans to back him as he believes rookie has the game required to excel

India captain Rohit Sharma (right) with pace bowler Prasidh Krishna during the first Test against South Africa at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Wednesday. Pic/PTI
The inclusion of Avesh Khan in the squad for the second Test, starting in Cape Town on Wednesday, is an indication that the decision-makers in Indian cricket are a little concerned about their undercooked pace resources in the absence of the injured Mohammed Shami.
Prasidh Krishna, on debut, and Shardul Thakur didn’t impress particularly in the first Test which ended in a humbling defeat inside three days in Centurion on Thursday, failing to maintain the pressure imposed by the crack new-ball combine of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. They weren’t consistent enough, bowling too many boundary balls while allowing South Africa to amass 408, well above par on a tricky surface that encouraged prodigious lateral movement and steepling, spongy bounce.