SA vs IND 2023: India’s predicted XI for the first Test match against South Africa
After clinching the ODI series 2-1, Team India are all set to lock horns with South Africa for a two-match Test series, commencing on December 26. The much-anticipated series will witness the return of Indian heavyweights who haven’t featured in any game since the World Cup 2023 final loss.
The test series holds a high status as it is a part of the World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle. The Men in Blue faced a humiliating 0-3 loss at the hands of the hosts when they toured South Africa last time. Hence, the Rohit Sharma-led side would want to avenge that loss this time.
Without any further ado, let’s take a look at the strongest playing XI Team India can field in the first Test match against South Africa:
Openers: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal
India’s skipper Rohit Sharma will return to lead the pack and will undoubtedly take charge of the opening duty. It will be interesting to see how he performs after the World Cup heartbreak. Talking about his Test numbers in South Africa, it’s not up to the mark.
In 8 innings, Rohit has scored only 123 runs, averaging just 15.38. He would like to change it for sure this time. To pair up with him, Yashasvi Jaiswal is the front-runner as Ruturaj Gaikwad is already ruled out of the series.
Jaiswal has featured in only 2 Test matches so far but scored 266 runs, including a century and a fifty. He has a unique aggressive batting style, which can benefit the visitors.
