South Africa vs India 2018: Another ten days of practice here would have made a difference, says Ravi Shastri

What’s the story?

After India conceded the Test series in South Africa, head coach Ravi Shastri has come out and said that the lack of practice cost the Indian team in the ongoing series.

"In hindsight, I would say another ten days of practice here would have made a difference. But that’s no excuse. The pitch we play on, it’s the same for both sides and I would rather focus on the 20 wickets we have taken. That has given us a chance in both test matches to win games. Yes our top order, if we can fire, it will be a good test match." Shastri said while addressing the media.

The details

Shastri also said that they will not crib about the pitches dished out in the series as both the teams played on the same track, hence there is no point talking about the pitches.

He further added, the in future itineraries should be prepared keeping in mind few practice games which will ideal for any touring party.

Answering questions about team selections, Shastri defended the policy of constantly changing and chopping when he said that one has to go according to current form in overseas conditions and also the conditions present during the match.

Amidst all the criticisms, the Indian bowlers have managed to pick up 20 wickets in both the matches and this evoked praise from the coach as well.

In case you didn’t know…

Selections came under a lot of fire in the first two Test matches when Ajinya Rahane was benched for both the matches and Bhuvneshwar Kumar was axed for the second match despite being one of the positives in the first match.

Also, the Indian team was questioned for not acclimatising to the conditions before the first Test match.

What’s next?

India play the third Test match at the Wanderers on Wednesday, January 24 and it will be interesting to see the combination they go in with.

If reports are to be believed, Ajinkya Rahane might make a comeback and Parthiv Patel might retain his place as the wicket-keeper.

Author’s take

Although the series is done and dusted, there is a lot to prove for this young Indian side not only in the third match but also for the remainder of this tour and for the rest of their overseas sojourn.

Hence, this honest assessment coming from the Indian camp is welcome and it will now be interesting to see if they walk the talk in the future matches.