India Playing XI vs SA: Hanuma Vihari or Shreyas Iyer? Virat Kohli has difficult decision to make – Team India captain Virat Kohli and head coach Rahul Dravid will have a decision on their hands as they ponder over the playing XI for the first test against South Africa. Their hand has been forced with the injuries to Ravindra Jadeja, Shubman Gill and Axar Patel, while the poor form of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane has further added to India’s troubles. Follow Insidesport.in for all IND vs SA LIVE updates.
India Playing XI vs SA: Hanuma Vihari or Shreyas Iyer? Virat Kohli has difficult decision to make
The unavailability of Ravindra Jadeja has put Virat Kohli and the team management in a spot as they mull over a potential playing XI for the 1st Test against South Africa. Newly appointed vice-captain Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul return alongside wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant, but the rest of the batting remains in doubts especially with the wealth of options at India’s disposal.
Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane, the stalwarts, find themselves at the risk of losing their place, owing to their poor form over the last 12 months or so. Pujara in fact hasn’t scored a Test century for almost three years, while Rahane averages a lowly 19 in 2021. Both also struggled during the tour of England and the home series against New Zealand, prompting the team management to debate over their places in the side.
India Playing XI vs SA: Hanuma Vihari or Shreyas Iyer? Virat Kohli has difficult decision to make
While he was dropped from the side against New Zealand, Hanuma Vihari put in the perfect practice, slamming three consecutive half-centuries against South Africa A to put his hand up in the ring. Vihari’s last appearance for India saw him heroically defend against a Pat Cummins led the attack, as he and Ravichandran Ashwin saved the test match despite battling from severe injuries.
Shreyas Iyer was handed his debut against New Zealand, and the Mumbai batsman took the opportunity with both hands, becoming the first Indian to score a century and half-century on debut. The team management and captain Virat Kohli hence will have to take a huge call to pick one of the two, as they look to settle down on an XI. Vihari, to his credit, can bowl part-time spin, which could aid in his selection to the XI.
Also Read: India Tour of South-Africa: Inside Story of why Virat Kohli was sacked as India’s ODI captain?
India Playing XI vs SA: Hanuma Vihari or Shreyas Iyer? Virat Kohli has difficult decision to make
It remains to be seen what combination Rahul Dravid will opt for in the 1st test, with India opting to play 6 batsmen and using Jadeja at 7 as the fifth bowler and a batting cushion. Jadeja had developed into a consistent performer, but his injury leaves a gaping hole in the XI. Kohli has prefered to go in with a four-pronged pace attack, and it remains to be seen whether the Indian captain would trust Ravichandran Ashwin at No.7. Kohli did not use Ashwin in any of the four Tests in England but change is expected with Rahul Dravid at the helm.
Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami return, and both are likely to retain their places in the side, while Ishant Sharma might have to sit out, with the form and emergence of Mohammed Siraj. Shardul Thakur, who has half-centuries in Australia and England, will be roped in as a bowling all-rounder at No.8.
India Playing XI vs SA: Hanuma Vihari or Shreyas Iyer? Virat Kohli has difficult decision to make
Probable playing XI: Rohit Sharma, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane/Hanuma Vihari/Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Ravi Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj/Ishant Sharma.
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