The much-anticipated India vs South Africa series will begin on October 2 (Wednesday) with the first Test in Visakhapatnam and India are overwhelming favourites in home conditions.
India vs South Africa 2019
Rohit Sharma: He is set to open along with Mayank Agarwal. Rohit has replaced KL Rahul in the line-up but he got out for a two-ball duck in the warm-up match against SA at Vizianagaram. He would like to push that setback behind and make his return to Test side a roaring success.
Mayank Agarwal: He had a rather ordinary Test series against the West Indies but back in more familiar conditions, the Karnataka man would like to back among runs in the company of a new opening partner – Rohit Sharma.
Cheteshwar Pujara: Pujara got starts in the West Indies but did not kick on and made a big score, something he does not misses out often. He would be keen to set that record straight against the Proteas.
India vs South Africa 2019, 1st Test India Probable XI
Virat Kohli: Like Pujara, Kohli too got starts but did not convert them against the Windies. There was even a first-ball duck. The Indian captain though had made two tons in the ODIs against the Caribbeans and he would be eager to have a couple of them in Tests too.
Ajinkya Rahane: Rahane found his mojo with his 10th Test hundred and it was ton after a little over two years. Rahane would not like to travel through the such a big chasm and will be eager to cash in on his good form.
Hanuma Vihari: Vihari struck his maiden Test hundred during the tour to West Indies and emerged India’s highest run-getter in the series. He will be keen to produce a few more big knocks and add value to the team with his handy off-spin.
Rishabh Pant: Pant will perforce need a good outing in the first Test if his turn indeed comes. Criticisms have already galore that Pant is careless and does not value his wicket and does not respect the circumstances. Experienced hand Wriddhiman Saha is in the squad and Pant will have to ensure that the patience of team management and selectors does not run out.
Ravindra Jadeja: Another big dilemma for India would be the obvious choice between Ravindra Jadeja or R Ashwin as the bowling allrounder in the team. Since Kohli went with Jadeja in West Indies, and the left-arm spinner did little to shake the team’s faith in him, it is highly likely Ashwin will have to sit out again.
Mohammed Shami: Shami too had a good series against the West Indies and at home, he will be eager to put the Proteas through the wringer with some fine spells.
Umesh Yadav: Another huge choice for India would be to decide whether they would go with three seamers and one spinner combination or two spinners and two-seamers combination. If Jasprit Bumrah was fit and playing, the choice would have been obvious. But with Umesh Yadav replacing Bumrah, India might have to think between Kuldeep Yadav or Umesh. In the first Test, the latter might come victorious.
Ishant Sharma: Ishant was in very good form against the Caribbeans and was India’s second successful bowler with 12 wickets behind Jasprit Bumrah. With Bumrah is ruled out of the series with an injury, Ishant will have to step up a notch further.
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