Team India’s strongest predicted playing XI for 1st Test against South Africa
BCCI named KL Rahul as vice-captain for South Africa test series.
Middle-order: Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane and Rishabh Pant
Cheteshwar Pujara has been India’s Test specialist batsman for a long time now. However, he hasn’t been in his imperious form but that wouldn’t bother him too much. A player like Pujara can make a comeback at any time.
On the contrary, Virat Kohli has been relieved of white-ball captaincy duties. He can breathe a sigh of relief as he can focus on his batting. It has been more than two years since the run-machine score an international century.
We can expect Virat Kohli to come through with flying colours in the Test series. Just like Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane has been in woeful form. However, the selectors would once again proceed with the experience. As a result, Rahane might get the nod.
Moreover, Rahane loves batting, especially in overseas conditions. The time has come for him to shut the critics once and for all. Rishabh Pant, who played a fearless brand of cricket of late in Test cricket is the right choice to keep the wickets for Team India.
