SA vs IND 2018: India To Play Five Bowlers, Ajinkya Rahane Dropped for the First Test

The latest news coming out from Cape Town is that the Indian team will go with five batsman and five bowlers in the first Test match at the Newlands in Cape Town. Rohit Sharma is confirmed to play in the first Test according to Indian sports journalist Boria Majumdar. With Rohit Sharma set to make it to the playing XI Ajinkya Rahane might sit on the bench.

With Rahane sitting out Hardik Pandya will also play in the first Test scheduled to begin from 5^th January, 2018. Majumdar tweeted:

“News from SA is India likely to play 5 batsman and 5 bowlers ImRo45 sure to play. Ajinkya Rahane might sit out. Hardik Pandya playing.” 

News from SA is India likely to play 5 batsman and 5 bowlers @ImRo45 sure to play. @ajinkyarahane88 might sit out. @hardikpandya7 playing.

— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) January 4, 2018

The Indian team will begin 2018 with the tour of South Africa which consists three Tests, six ODI’s and three T20Is. India has a dominant run at home and will be looking forward to carrying the good form to South Africa as well.

This will be Virat Kohli’s first away tour as full-time captain to the rainbow nation, and he is leaving no stone unturned to prepare for the tour.

Follow India’s Tour of South Africa here: IPL 2018