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India are all set to face South Africa in the first of the three-Test match series on Boxing Day (December 26) as Virat Kohli and his men try to win their first Test series on African soil. KL Rahul, appointed as the new vice-captain for the Test series, spoke to the media in a virtual press conference. Rahul hinted that former vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane could get the nod for the fifth spot.
“It is a very very difficult decision. Ajinkya has played crucial knocks for India including the one in Melbourne or in Lord’s recently. He has been a key player for us. Shreyas has taken his chances. Hanuma has also done the same for us. We will have a chat about that today or tomorrow,” 29-year-old Rahul said.
Rahul also spoke about the areas to focus on as Team India will be determined to give their best shot on the tour.
“I tried to play close to my body. That has been the preparation. My focus has been really to play tight and not give away wickets in the first 30-35 overs of the new ball.”
The Indian team management will have to play without Rohit Sharma for the Test series. Rohit, appointed as the vice-captain of the Test side was ruled out of the series but could be back for the ODI series.
Team India will have bowlers Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah back in the squad as they will be up for the challenge. South Africa on the other side will be without pacer Anrich Nortje.
The full schedule for India’s tour of South Africa
26-30 December 2021: 1st Test, SuperSport Park, Centurion
03-07 January 2022: 2nd Test, Imperial Wanderers, Johannesburg
11-15 January 2022: 3rd Test, Six Gun Grill Newlands, Cape Town
19 January 2022: 1st ODI, Eurolux Boland Park, Paarl
21 January 2022: 2nd ODI, Eurolux Boland Park, Paarl
23 January 2022: 3rd ODI, Six Gun Grill Newlands, Cape Town
