IND vs SA: Virat Kohli and Co eye first series win: Virat Kohli-led India are in South Africa for a three-match Test series starting from 26 December. India are yet to win a Test series against South Africa in their backyard ever since they started playing against the Rainbow Nation. Virat Kohli has his eyes set on the maiden series win and also on the history books. Before they do get into the grinds of three-day Test, Indian stars had an off day for a photoshoot for the series. Follow India tour of South Africa Live on InsideSport.IN.
India reached South Africa for what will be their eighth tour to the Rainbow Nation when they start their campaign with the Boxing Day Test. While there were plenty of roadblocks for the series and captain Virat Kohli was mired in controversy, once the team set foot in South Africa, there was hardly any tension. They had light sessions and full net practice ahead of the first Test.
IND vs SA: Virat Kohli’s Indian heroes set eyes on South Africa after exploits in Australia, England – Check India’s photoshoot
With bio-bubble and covid restrictions in place, Team India found some time to have some light moments during the photoshoot. If Ishant Sharma was at his hilarious best, other members had a fun day.
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IND vs SA: Virat Kohli’s Indian heroes set eyes on South Africa after exploits in Australia, England – Check India’s photoshoot
However, ahead of the 1st Test, Virat Kohli & Co will be eager to better their records in South Africa. India on their last tour to South Africa in 2017-18, seemed invincible but lost the series 1-2.
However, the hosts’ camp doesn’t look as strong as the last time with big names like Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers, Hashim Amla, Morne Morkel, and Vernon Philander not playing (all retired). Whereas, India are fielding a full-fledged Test squad for another historic series down under.
Also Read: Ind vs SA: 3 memorable victories for India Team in South Africa…
IND vs SA: Virat Kohli’s Indian heroes set eyes on South Africa after exploits in Australia, England – Check India’s photoshoot
In their last two overseas tours, India have defeated Australia and England (were leading the series 2-1 when it was called off), and hence, are the favourites to script history. With the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Ishant Sharma, and Mohammad Siraj in the pace arsenal, Virat Kohli will be itching to take the attack to the opposition.
Jasprit Bumrah, who made his Test debut on India’s previous tour in 2017-18, is now the leader of the pace attack. He will have good support from the rising star Siraj and consistent Shami. The spin department is headed by Ravichandran Ashwin, who surpassed Harbhajan Singh a few days back to become India’s third-highest wicket-taker in Tests. Also, he is leading the wicket charts in 2021.
IND vs SA: Virat Kohli’s Indian heroes set eyes on South Africa after exploits in Australia, England – Check India’s photoshoot
India have their fair share of worries as well. The middle-order has been under the scanner for a while now. Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Ajinkaya Rahane have not been their usual best in the past few series. However, when it comes to playing in South Africa, these three batters do enjoy the challenge.
Apart from this, India also have a few youngsters in their squad who will play for the first time in South Africa. But, with a flamboyant captain looking to prove his worth and script history, India are right on the line to win their maiden Test series in South Africa.
India Squad for South Africa Tests:
India’s Test squad: Virat Kohli (Captain), KL Rahul (vice-captain), Priyank Panchal, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant (wk), Wriddhiman Saha (wk), R Ashwin, Jayant Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Mohd. Shami, Umesh Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Shardul Thakur, Md. Siraj.
Standby Players: Navdeep Saini, Saurabh Kumar, Deepak Chahar, Arzan Nagwaswalla.
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