Home
India gears up to tackle what is often referred to as their "final frontier" in a two-Test series against South Africa, beginning with the Boxing Day Test at SuperSport Park in Centurion. Despite playing in South Africa for over two decades, India has yet to win a Test series there, with only four victories in 23 Tests. This series presents a significant challenge and an opportunity to make history.
Follow the Sports Tak channel on WhatsApp
The Indian team, led by Rohit Sharma, is in high spirits after their recent ODI series win (2-1) and is looking to transfer this momentum into the Test format. However, they will miss the services of veteran pacer Mohammed Shami due to injury. The 16-member squad, coached by Rahul Dravid, faces some selection dilemmas, particularly in choosing the right combination for the South African conditions.
Rohit Sharma, undertaking his first Test captaincy role in South Africa, will open the batting. His past average of 15 over 4 Tests in South Africa does not reflect his recent form since becoming a regular Test opener. Joining him will be Yashasvi Jaiswal, who has made an impressive start to his Test career, and Shubman Gill, who is expected to take on the challenging No. 3 spot. The series will also be a test for Shreyas Iyer, particularly against the short ball, a known weakness.
KL Rahul, fresh from leading India to an ODI series victory, returns as the wicketkeeper-batter for this Test. His recent form will be crucial for India's batting line-up.
In the bowling department, India faces tough choices. Shardul Thakur is likely to play as a pace-bowling all-rounder. The team must decide between Prasidh Krishna, known for his height and hard lengths, and Mukesh Kumar, who has shown consistency in his short career. Rohit mentioned that the team is almost decided on their choice for the third seamer, weighing in the need for either a seam or swing bowler.
India is expected to field a single spinner given the pace-friendly conditions in Centurion, with Ravindra Jadeja likely to be preferred over R Ashwin, following their recent strategy in SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia) countries.
On the South African side, Dean Elgar is set for his final series before retirement, opening with Aiden Markram. The team also has to consider the fitness of key pacers Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, while Marco Jansen might shoulder a significant part of the bowling responsibilities. Keshav Maharaj is expected to be their primary spinner.
The series is set to be a compelling contest, with both teams looking to overcome their respective challenges and assert dominance in the testing South African conditions.
India Predicted XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Prasidh Krishna, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj.
South Africa Predicted XI: Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma (c), Keegan Petersen, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Gerald Coetzee, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
IND vs SA, 1st Test Weather Report: How many days will rain interrupt play in Centurion; forecast paints a disappointing picture
IND vs SA: Rohit Sharma's brigade aim to end 31-year-old hoodoo for series victory in South Africa
