India Playing XI vs SA – One place 4 contenders? – Virat Kohli & Co have a big decision to make for the 1st Test. With 10 players all set to feature, it’s one place that is the point of contention with four players competing for the spot. The contest is between Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer, Shardul Thakur and Hanuma Vihari. For Kohli, he has to pick between an all-rounder or an extra batter for the 1st Test that starts on December 26 in Centurion. Follow IND vs SA Follow Live Updates on InsideSport.IN.
In England, in seaming conditions, Virat Kohli preferred a five-bowlers template including Shardul Thakur as an all-rounder. But Ajinkya Rahane’s poor form is such that Kohli may not be eager to take the call.
India Playing XI vs SA: One place four contenders, Virat Kohli torn between Rahane, Iyer, Shardul and Hanuma for 1st Test
📸📸 from our training here today at SuperSport Park 🏟️#TeamIndia | #SAvIND pic.twitter.com/r5a890urkt
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 20, 2021
For an extra batsman role, the competition is three-way with Shreyas Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane and Hanuma Vihari all competing for the spot. Interestingly, amongst the three, only Shreyas Iyer has been in good form, slamming a century on Test debut. Hanuma Vihari although has done well in South Africa, he will find it difficult to get a place in the Playing XI.
Vihari, who wasn’t a part of New Zealand Test series at home had three fifty-plus scores, 54, 72 not out and 63 respectively against South Africa A and has gotten used to the conditions in the last one month. However, Rahane, who perhaps is getting one last series to prove his worth, stands a better chance as of now to be the sixth batter if Kohli takes a more ‘Dravidian route’ which is safety first.
India Playing XI vs SA: One place four contenders, Virat Kohli torn between Rahane, Iyer, Shardul and Hanuma for 1st Test
However, considering India’s poor record in the middle order and to manage the workload of the fast bowlers, an all-rounder in Shardul Thakur could be important. Shardul proved to be a key player with all-round show.
— BCCI (@BCCI) December 20, 2021
Furthermore, Centurion is a place which is situated 1300 metres above sea level, which means a higher altitude where bowlers can get tired quickly and in case of four bowlers, there remains a possibility of them getting tired. Shardul Thakur could be the best backup.
“I think Shardul Thakur is the best choice if they go in with five bowlers as he also gives the option of a steady No.7 batter and we also have Ravichandran Ashwin. Four bowlers in this line-up are now confirmed if all fit — Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Ashwin and Mohammed Siraj. I don’t think, Ishant will be considered ahead of Siraj on current form,” former chairman of selectors MSK Prasad told PTI.
India Playing XI vs SA: One place four contenders, Virat Kohli torn between Rahane, Iyer, Shardul and Hanuma for 1st Test
India Playing XI:
- Mayank Agarwal
- KL Rahul
- Cheteshwar Pujara
- Virat Kohli
- Shreyas Iyer/ Ajinkya Rahane
- Rishabh Pant (wk)
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Shardul Thakur/ Hanuma Vihari
- Mohammed Shami
- Jasprit Bumrah
- Mohammed Siraj
For more updates on cricket and other sports, follow InsideSport.IN
