SA vs IND 2023: India’s predicted XI for the first Test match against South Africa

All-Rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur

Ravindra Jadeja will definitely walk into the playing XI without any discussion. He is a valuable asset to the side. He will be responsible to get runs down the order and also chirp in match-changing overs with the ball in hand.

Shardul Thakur is likely to be included in the XI ahead of Ravichandran Ashwin. The sole reason remains the conditions of the country. The traditional South African pitches offer help to the pacers rather than spinners.

The last time India visited the concerned country, they went on with four pacers and a spinner. This time as well, they are expected to go with the same formation. Hence, Ashwin might not get any game time under his hat unless an injury occurs.