After finishing the One Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 International (T20I) series, the attention now turns to the Test matches, where Team India aims to improve its track record in away games against South Africa.
The first match of the two-game series is set to kick off in Centurion on December 26. Star players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, and others are making a return to the field after taking a break following the disappointing loss in the World Cup against Australia.
The team is eager to make a mark in the Test series and overcome the challenges posed by the South African side in an effort to rewrite their history of struggles in away Test matches.
#TeamIndia members are here at the SuperSport Park, as they gear up for the 1st Test against South Africa.#SAvIND pic.twitter.com/NEKEpSqL7s
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 24, 2023
India Test Records Against Soith Africa
India has played 23 Test matches in South Africa but has only managed to win four of them throughout its history. Notably, India has never clinched a Test series victory in South Africa, and Rohit Sharma’s team is determined to alter that historical trend.
The challenge is intensified by the formidable South African bowling lineup, including Rabada, Jansen, Ngidi, and others. These skilled bowlers are expected to push India’s batting prowess to its limits, posing a significant test for the visiting team.
Kohli, Rohit, Bumrah and More Return For Test Series
Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah are making a comeback for the series after missing the limited-overs part of the tour. However, Mohammed Shami won’t be joining them due to an ongoing ankle injury.
Test Match Mode 🔛#TeamIndia batters are geared up for the Boxing Day Test 😎#SAvIND pic.twitter.com/Mvkvet6Ed9
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 25, 2023
This leaves a significant gap in the Indian team, and the choices to replace Shami are Mukesh Kumar and Prasidh Krishna. Mukesh didn’t perform well in the ODI and T20I matches earlier, making Prasidh a potential frontrunner.
Prasidh Krishna might get his first Test cap in Centurion, thanks to his style of bowling, which sets him apart. Despite Mukesh’s recent struggles, Prasidh’s unique approach might give him the nod for this opportunity. The series could see Prasidh making his debut in the Test format for India.
KL Rahul Back On Side As A Wicketkeeper And Batsman
In the upcoming series against South Africa, KL Rahul, who previously captained India in a Test on their last tour to South Africa and scored a century, is facing a change in his role.
Despite his previous stint as an opener, he will now be taking up the wicketkeeper’s role and batting in the middle order, according to Captain Rohit Sharma’s decision. This shift opens up an opportunity for Yashasvi Jaiswal to solidify his position as Rohit’s opening partner, given his impressive performance with 266 runs in two Tests.
What Other Changes For Team India In Test Series?
Shubman Gill, who had a fantastic year in ODIs, aims to bounce back from a somewhat inconsistent Test form. Virat Kohli is expected to maintain his usual No.4 position, followed by Shreyas Iyer.
Rahul will slot in at No.6. These changes reflect a strategic reshuffling in the team, with an emphasis on optimizing the batting order and incorporating new talents like Jaiswal.
In the upcoming match at Centurion, India is likely to choose Ravindra Jadeja over Ravichandran Ashwin as their main spin-bowling all-rounder, even though the playing conditions may not be very favorable for spin.
Instead, Shardul Thakur will be taking on the role of the fast-bowling all-rounder. The pace attack will include Bumrah, Siraj, and Prasidh, showcasing a preference for pace over spin in the given conditions.
This decision suggests a strategic choice to adapt the team composition based on the playing conditions at Centurion, emphasizing the strength of the fast-bowling options with Shardul Thakur complementing the pace attack.
What Can Be Playing XI Of Team India for the first Test Against South Africa
Here’s the proposed lineup for the upcoming match:
Openers
- Rohit Sharma (Captain)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
Top and Middle Order
- Shubman Gill
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer
Wicketkeeper
- KL Rahul (Wicketkeeper)
All-rounders
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Shardul Thakur
Pacers
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj
- Prasidh Krishna
This Team India lineup reflects a balanced combination of experienced players and emerging talents across batting, wicketkeeping, spin, and pace bowling to tackle the challenges of the match
Also Read: WHO WILL BE CAPTAIN OF MUMBAI INDIANS IF HARDIK PANDYA WILL RULED OUT FROM IPL 2024?
