Shardul Thakur fine after injury scare at optional training

Shardul Thakur is in perfect condition, according to information from the Indian camp in South Africa. The all-rounder, who sustained a blow to his left shoulder during a net session at Centurion on Saturday, is reported to be doing well. A source within the Indian team has confirmed that he is perfectly fine.

It is understood that the Indian team's medical staff has not recommended any treatment, and Shardul did not undergo any scans either. Despite the injury, Shardul continued to bat soon after being hit. "There is no concern at all," emphasized the source. "No problems."

The incident occurred during an optional training session at Centurion, where India lost the first Test inside three days. Shardul was reportedly facing throwdowns from a member of the support staff.

Since it was an optional training session, only seven to eight players showed up for practice. Among them were skipper Rohit Sharma, R Ashwin, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mukesh Kumar, Prasidh Krishna, and KS Bharat, in addition to Shardul. All the coaches were of course there at the venue.

The Indian team is scheduled to fly out of Johannesburg to Cape Town for the second and final Test on Sunday morning. While the lineup for the Test, starting at the Newlands Stadium on January 3, has not been indicated, it is unlikely that there will be a change in the wicketkeeper's position. Despite a challenging time behind the stumps in the Centurion Test, KL Rahul is expected to continue as the wicketkeeper.

The major question revolves around whether the team will persist with Prasidh Krishna, who made his debut in the first Test. The pacer's performance has come under scrutiny, and alternatives before the team management include Mukesh Kumar and Avesh Khan. Additionally, Ravindra Jadeja, who missed the first Test due to back stiffness, is believed to be available for selection.