'Always good to debut against a quality side,' MSK Prasad on potential India debutants Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel in Rajkot Test

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The Indian Cricket Team made a terrific comeback in the second Test against England in Visakhapatnam to win the game by 109 runs and level the series 1-all. After suffering a humiliating defeat in the opening game in Hyderabad, the Rohit Sharma-led side showed great resolve to bounce back in Vizag, leaving the five-match series perfectly poised.

The third Test match is scheduled to begin on Thursday (February 15) at the Saurashtra Cricket Association (SCA) Stadium in Rajkot as both sides will be vying to take a lead.

Team India Heading In Right Direction In Test Series: MSK Prasad

Former India chairman of selectors, MSK Prasad, is impressed with coach Rahul Dravid's team for making a remarkable comeback under pressure. Prasad, while speaking exclusively with myKhel, claimed the hosts seem to be coming on the right track after suffering a jolt in Hyderabad.

"The team has progressed really well, especially after losing the first test. They came back very strongly in the Vizag Test. I think we are heading in the right direction in this series," Prasad told myKhel.

Ravindra Jadeja's Return Is Great News: Prasad

In a massive fillip to the hosts, Ravindra Jadeja - the number-one ranked Test all-rounder - is fit and available for the third Test and the 48-year-old former India wicketkeeper batter termed it good news for the home side.

Prasad said, "Great news. Team India felt short of experience in the spin department in the last match. Jadeja will make the spin department stronger in the third Test."

Jadeja, who missed the second Test after pulling his hamstring in the Hyderabad game, has recovered and the local boy (from Jamnagar) can play a crucial role in helping India take a 2-1 lead with his three-dimensional game.

Prasad - who garnered a lot of attention for his '3D Player' comments ahead of the 2019 ODI World Cup - on the importance of Jadeja, remarked, "Someone like Ravindra Jadeja, who can contribute in all three departments, comes back into the team. It's a wonderful and welcome sign. His presence will strengthen the squad further."

Sarfaraz Khan, Dhruv Jurel Potential India Debut

Due to key players like KL Rahul (being sidelined by injuries) and the unavailability of Virat Kohli, the team management is contemplating handing debut opportunities to two fresh faces, Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Chand Jurel, for the upcoming third Test against England in Rajkot.

Sharing his views on the debuts of Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel, Prasad said that debuting against a top-quality team is always beneficial for a youngster as runs and performances hold significant value and boost their confidence.

"It's always good to make a debut against a quality side because the value of runs and performance is regarded very highly. For any youngster to play against this English side, it could turn out to be a dream debut because performances against good teams will remain in the minds of selectors and cricket fans forever," the former Andhra Pradesh cricketer remarked.

Shubman Gill should look to continue his form: MSK Prasad

The batting performance of India in the initial two matches of this series has fallen short of expectations. Nonetheless, the standout individual displays by young Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill in the second Test provided a glimmer of hope amidst an otherwise lacklustre effort from the batting lineup.

Prasad believes Gill's match-winning century under pressure in the second innings in the Vizag Test bodes well for India's new number three and he should look to carry his form in the remaining games.

"Gill is too good as a player; he has performed in all conditions. Of course, he went through a rough patch in Test Cricket, but now he's back in form. I think he should carry his form, and it's very important when things are not going your way. These kinds of performances help him to stay in the team. It's important when you are in form to make it big," Prasad signed off.