ODIs & T20Is are over and the focus now shifts to a long Test cycle until IPL 2024. First up is the IND vs SA Test with the India Cricket Team aiming to begin a new cycle with a mixture of youth and experience. With no Mohammed Shami, the dilemma in pace department is over Mukesh Kumar or Prasidh Krishna. And as the nature of the pitch does now fancy two spinners, there will be no Ravichandran Ashwin in the India Playing XI for 1st Test.
There is also a decision to be made on who opens with Rohit Sharma. As things stand, Yashasvi Jaiswal seems to be the best choice with Shubman Gill dropping to No 5 slot.
As reported earlier, KL Rahul is all set to make his wicketkeeping debut in the Test and will have to take the No 6 slot instead of No 5.
Prasidh Krishna to make Test debut?
The biggest headache for Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid will be the pace bowling unit. While Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj are the two automatic choices, India will have to find two more pacers from three players to be part of India Playing XI.
Considering Shardul Thakur’s batting skills in the Test, he looks certain to be the fourth seamer. Who will be India’s third seamer?
India have to pick between Prasidh Krishna and Mukesh Kumar. Despite being with the squad, Prasidh Krishna is yet to make his Test debut. But with Shami recovering from an injury, the IND vs SA Test series looks to be his time to shine in India Playing XI.
Mukesh Kumar hasn’t really made a name yet and on a fast bouncy Centurion pitch, India Cricket Team would want to unleash Prasidh Krishna.
While Prasidh hasn’t played a lot of first-class cricket, he has an excellent record for Karnataka. In 12 First Class matches, Prasidh has picked up 54 wickets at an average of 17.29 including three fifers.
What to expect from IND vs SA 1st Test?
- With Rohit Sharma opening, Yashasvi Jaiswal is all set to partner him.
- Shreyas Iyer will take up No 3 spot, vacated by Cheteshwar Pujara.
- Virat Kohli will take the usual No 4 slot in India Playing XI.
- Shubman Gill will get an extended run at No 5 with Ajinkya Rahane not in the picture anymore.
- KL Rahul, who will make his wicketkeeping debut in Test is likely to take a new role at No 6.
- Ravindra Jadeja at 7 will complete the batting line-up.
- Among bowlers, Shardul Thakur at 8, Jasprit Bumrha at 9, Moammed Siraj at No 10, and either Prasidh Krishna or Mukesh Kumar will take up No 11.
No Ashwin?
With the pitch sporting a green layer, India Cricket Team is likely to opt for four seamers and a spinner. Considering Ravindra Jadeja’s impact with the bat in SENA countries, he seems to be the only choice as spinner in India Playing XI.
Predicted India Playing XI 1st Test
- Rohit Sharma (C)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Shreyas Iyer
- Virat Kohli
- Shubman Gill
- KL Rahul (WK)
- Ravindra Jadeja
- Shardul Thakur
- Jasprit Bumrah (VC)
- Mohd Siraj
- Prasidh Krishna
India squad for IND vs SA Tests
Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohd. Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah (VC), Prasidh Krishna, KS Bharat (wk)
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