Ajinkya Rahane Bhuvneshwar Kumar India South Africa
Virat Kohli could include Ajinkya Rahane and Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the squad for the third Test match in Johannesburg. Image Courtesy: Getty Images

Ajinkya Rahane will be playing his first Test on the tour of South Africa, as he is all set to replace either of Rohit Sharma or Hardik Pandya in the playing XI for the third Test of the series, a report in TOI suggests.

The net sessions, which the India team has had already showed indications that Rahane would walk in playing XI and now, it can get confirmed that the vice-captain of Indian cricket team will finally get a chance to play.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar Alland Donald

The report also adds that Bhuvneshwar Kumar would replace spinner R Ashwin in the playing XI, who did well in the second Test match of the series.

If team India goes with no spinner in the playing XI, then this would also mean Ravindra Jadeja will return to India without playing a single game on tour. He had already lost his place in the limited-overs format and in Tests too; his place seems to be in danger, especially with the Indian team all set to tour outside sub-continent in the coming year.

The decision on Pandya and Rohit will be taken before the start of the game. Pandya, though, holds an edge over Rohit looking at the pitch conditions where fast bowlers will have more job to do. He can also contribute with the bat, which will tempt Virat Kohli to let him stay in the playing XI.

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Meanwhile, the South African team is also expected to add an extra pacer in the XI which will take the place of Keshav Maharaj. Skipper, Faf du Plessis gave indications of making this change on the eve of the game.

The third and final Test match of the series starts today (January 24) at New Wanderers stadium in Johannesburg. India is already 2-0 down in the series and are on the cusp of being whitewashed. Keeping the pitch conditions in mind, again, high scores are not expected in this game and the team chasing the target in the fourth innings will have a tough task. Toss will have a crucial role in deciding the fate of the game.

Follow India’s tour to South Africa here: South Africa Vs India – Freedom Series

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