Ravi Shastri criticizes Rohit Sharma’s unorthodox strategies in South Africa Test

Former Indian coach and all-rounder Ravi Shastri criticized skipper Rohit Sharma’s unusual on-field tactics during the ongoing red-ball series against South Africa. Shastri expressed surprise that Rohit began the second session with debutant pacer Prasidh Krishna and bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur instead of frontline opening bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj. This decision was questioned by commentators and former cricketers who felt that India missed an opportunity by not letting Bumrah and Siraj open the second session. Following lunch, South African batsmen took advantage of this move, with opener Dean Elgar scoring his 14th Test century. Shastri emphasized that during his coaching tenure, he prioritized starting sessions with the best two bowlers. Overall, the comments pointed to a missed opportunity for India to maintain momentum in the match.