India tour to South Africa 2021-22 : Selectors in dilemma with the problem of plenty ahead of Team India's tour to South Africa
Xtra Time Web Desk : Team India selectors face huge dilemma as they are all set to select the squad for the South Africa tour, which is to be announced tomorrow. This year has been good for Team India in particularly in longest format of the game as they defeated Australia 2-1 in their own backyard and returned from England with a lead of 2-1 in the Test series, although the decider of which is to be played next year.
Apart from that, the team has also been able to achieve thumping victories over England and New Zealand at home with the most unique point in all those victories being lack of major contributions from vice captain Rahane, senior stalwart Pujara and the skipper Kohli.
The juniors of Indian cricket who played for Team India this year, have perfectly stepped up to grab their opportunities to the fullest. Be it the Australia series, England home series or the recent home series against New Zealand, youngsters like Rishabh Pant, Mohammed Siraj, Shreyas Iyer, Shardul Thakur or Washington Sundar, all have performed and made their way through into the team with the only exception being the World Test Championship final.
Now, with the places for South Africa tour up for grabs, the selectors would have to take a few tough calls especially regarding their vice captain, Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara. With cricketers like Shreyas Iyer, Hanuma Vihari and Suryakumar Yadav waiting in the ranks the Proteas tour would be an acid Test for Rahane and Pujara.
Also, another spot of discussion would be the selection of veteran Ishant Sharma in the Test squad. With the likes of Shardul Thakur and Umesh Yadav constantly performing to be in the team it would be tough for the Delhi pacer to pave his way into the squad except the selectors select 5 pacers for the Proteas tour.
Lastly, with seniors like Bumrah, Shami and Rohit coming back into the team, it would be interesting to see which players would be taken into consideration by the selectors for the South Africa tour amidst their dilemma regarding the problem of plenty.
