New Delhi: Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag feels that India now stand with a only 30% chance of making a comeback in the second Test match against South Africa in Centurion after losing the opening match by 72 runs.
“As of now, it looks like only 30 percent chance is there of making a comeback. It is going to be very tough from now on. Also the Indian team management should look whether conditions at the Centurion warrant a place for Ravichandran Ashwin,” said Sehwag, in an interaction with India TV on Wednesday.
The former right-handed batsman also reckons that India should go into the second Test with four bowlers and six specialist batsman.
“India can go in with an extra batsman in Ajinkya Rahane. They should also try to go in with four specialist bowlers. If India want to win, Virat and Rohit will need to play a big role,” added Sehwag.
The slambang Indian opener had made his Test debut way back in 2001 in Bloemfontein where he struck a century and he also advised Virat Kohli and co to leave as many deliveries outside the off-stump as possible.
“Don’t fiddle with deliveries outside the off-stump will be my advice to the batsmen. Play as straight as possible. Your ‘go to’ shots should be straight drive and flick. Get prepared to be hurt by some short stuff. Rather than trying to fend off short balls, get prepared to take blows on your body,” explained Sehwag.
He also felt that the batsmen should look to score atleast three runs per over since it’ll be difficult to get bowled on the bouncy tracks.
“The tennis ball bounce in South Africa means that it will be very difficult for any batsman to get bowled. So one needs to stay positive and try to score runs at the rate of at least three runs per over,” he added.