'I hope he proves me wrong' - Sunil Gavaskar suggests India's ideal bowling line-up for 1st Test against South Africa after Mohammed Shami misses out

After a successful white-ball series, Team India will be up against hosts South Africa in a two-match Test series starting Tuesday, December 26. For the visitors, veteran players like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma will be in action for the first time since their painful ODI World Cup exit. They will be eager to register a historic win on South African soil, but it won't be easy as the Proteas hold a staggering record against them in this format. 

Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar is optimistic about India's batting prowess as Rohit and Kohli return to the side. Highlighting the absence of Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, Gavaskar opined that India will score heavily against the South African bowling unit. Notably, the first match will be played at the SuperSport Park in Centurion, where fast bowlers will get more help. 

With Rohit and Gill at the top, Kohli, Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul in the middle-order, there's not much concern over India's batting unit. However, the absence of Mohammed Shami in the bowling department might reduce the strength of the Indian pace attack. The right-arm pacer, who was India's trump card in the World Cup, failed to regain fitness following an ankle injury. 

Talking about the pace attack, Gavaskar opined that Mukesh Kumar could be an ideal replacement for Shami. His ability to swing and maintain good line and length were pointed out by the batting great. 

“Considering your options and the type of pitch you’re dealing with, I would choose Mukesh Kumar as my third choice. He can swing the ball and maintain good lines and lengths. With his experience in bowling long spells in the Ranji Trophy, he becomes a suitable choice. If you intend to bowl for the entire day, you need bowlers who are prepared to deliver at least 18 to 20 overs,” he said. 

I hope he proves me wrong: Gavaskar about Prasidh Krishna 

Meanwhile, Gavaskar expressed concern over the performance of Prasidh Krishna as he is returning from an injury. However, he wants the 27-year-old pacer to prove him wrong and boost India's chances. 

“I’m uncertain about Prasidh Krishna. He’s returning from an injury, and I’m not confident about his ability to bowl 15-20 overs in a day. I hope he proves me wrong because if he does, it means India is performing well, and that would make me very happy. I think Bumrah and Siraj are automatic choices due to their excellent performances over the past year and a half in both white-ball and red-ball cricket. Therefore, they would be my opening bowlers,” Gavaskar said on Star Sports.