'Don't waste time, take the risk and declare'; Former coach Ravi Shastri's strategic advice to Indian team

GUWAHATI: Former India coach Ravi Shastri decided to offer some sane advice to the Indian team ahead of the second Test against South Africa. Shastri suggested India not waste time trying to regain the lead, given the nature of the pitch in Guwahati. He asked the Indian team to declare their innings 80 to 100 runs behind South Africa's total.

"India needs to make strategic decisions today. Closely watch how the opposition tackles the threat of the new bowl. After that, we have to take the game forward and try to win the match. The team should have control over the game. That means declaring the innings even if we are a few runs behind. Then try to get the opposition out quickly in the second innings," Shastri’s advice to the Indian team came during a commentary session on Star Sports.

Shastri said India should take advantage of the situation and not waste time waiting to go beyond 489 runs. He advised the team to declare even if they are behind 80, 90, or 100 runs.

South Africa posted a good first innings total in the second Test against India on the back of a century by Senuran Muthuswamy and a brilliant half-century by Marco Jansson. South Africa resumed their first innings on the second day at 247/6 and were all out for 489.