Last updated on December 25th, 2021 at 05:10 am
While fans await the BCCI’s announcement of the South Africa tour selections, here’s a look at the likely Test squad for the highly anticipated series –
In December and January, Team India will go to South Africa for three Test matches and as many one-day internationals.
The visitors will be led by Virat Kohli in the Test series.
Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, and other regulars are expected to return for the much-anticipated series.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) released an amended schedule for the upcoming series against India on Monday (December 6), which would include three Tests and as many one-day internationals.
The Test series will begin on December 26 in Centurion, according to the schedule.
On January 23, the last ODI of the series will be played in Cape Town.
The Team India members were supposed to depart for South Africa right after the New Zealand Tests ended, but due to the series being delayed back 9 days, they may spend some time at home.
The lineup for the upcoming series will most likely be revealed soon. Before the BCCI announces the squad for the much-anticipated tour, here’s a look at India’s likely 18-man Test squad –
Probable Openers
Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul, who built a strong opening partnership in England, will return and are expected to open the batting in game 1 of the series.
Although Mayank Agarwal scored a century in the Mumbai Test against New Zealand, Rahul’s form in difficult English conditions cannot be overlooked. Rohit Sharma will begin the innings in lieu of Gill. Mayank may only be given a chance in the final XI if Rahul is unable to play.
Probable Middle-Order
There aren’t expected to be many alterations in the middle order for the South Africa tour. Cheteshwar Pujara is expected to preserve his spot, with Virat Kohli leading the side. Hanuma Vihari, who has scored a few of half-centuries for India A against South Africa, might replace Ajinkya Rahane, whose recent poor form has been a talking point.
Vihari, who is leading the visitors in the third unofficial Test match, has made a strong case for inclusion with two 50-plus runs and may be able to overtake Rahane.
If the selectors continue to support the vice-captain, Vihari will return home from South Africa early because Shreyas Iyer’s spot is secure.
Probable All Rounders
R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, both Allrounders, are expected to create a formidable all-round department. Axar Patel should be in the ODI team, but in the Test series, he may have to make way for Shardul Thakur, who may be a valuable asset in those conditions.
The conditions in South Africa prevent a side from fielding even two spinners at the same time. As a result, the selectors may decide not to include the third spinner.
Probable Wicketkeepers
Wrididhiman Saha’s magnificent half-century in the second innings of the Kanpur Test, as well as his superb wicketkeeping talents, appear to have earned him a berth as the second wicketkeeper.
Rishabh Pant will come back to get the gloves. KS Bharat is unlikely to go to South Africa because a touring team does not require three wicketkeepers. Not to mention that KL Rahul can put on the gloves if necessary.
Probable Pacers
The speed assault will be led by Jasprit Bumrah, who will be supported by Mohammed Shami, who was also rested for the whole New Zealand series. Mohammed Siraj has been confirmed for the South African trip, while Umesh Yadav has also been confirmed. Prasidh Krishna, a young pacer, and Ishant Sharma, a senior, are set to battle for one berth.
Ishant hasn’t been able to consistently provide the goods, but his 105 Test experience can’t be overlooked. As a result, it will be a difficult decision to make, and the selectors will have their work cut out for them. Krishna had accompanied the Test team to the United Kingdom.
Probable Team India for Test Series at South Africa:
Virat Kohli (Captain), Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane/Hanuma Vihari, Shreyas Iyer, R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Rishabh Pant, Wriddhiman Saha, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav
