India won the toss and decided to bat first in the Boxing Day Test against South Africa. India went with six batters and five bowlers strategy. Shreyas Iyer, who was the centurion in the last Test series that India played against New Zealand, couldn't make it to the playing XI. On the other hand, Ajinkya Rahane has been included in the lineup despite a worrying slump in his form.
Another chance for Rahane
At the same time, Ajinkya Rahane, who has played in the last two tours in South Africa, has been given a chance. While wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant returns to the squad after a break.
Power-packed bowling
On the other hand, when it comes to bowling, the responsibility of the spin department goes to experienced spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj and Shardul Thakur will try to trouble South African batsmen or pacer-friendly wickets.
India never won in Centurion
India have not won a Test match in Centurion's Super Sports Park till date. They had to taste dust in both the Tests played here. Keeping this in mind, South Africa, which is considered comparatively weaker on paper, looks strong in home conditions.
India playing XI: Virat Kohli (Captain), KL Rahul (Vice Captain), Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant (wicket keeper), Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Shardul Thakur, Mohammad Siraj.
South Africa playing XI: Dean Elgar (Captain), Aiden Markram, Keegan Petersen, Rassie van der Dussen, Temba Bavuma (Vice captain), Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi.
