South Africa v India Test series 2018: The Proteas' Probable Squad

The thumping win over Bangladesh a couple of months ago would have surely helped South Africa squad to recover from the heavy drubbing in England, but the Proteas know that a win in the forthcoming series against world number one side India would truly mark their return to form.

Faf du Plessis & Co. were thoroughly outplayed in England, losing the series 3-1 but bounced back with a 2-0 win over hapless Bangladesh in their backyard. However, they will have their task cut out when Virat Kohli leads his men against them in the forthcoming three-match series, starting January 5. South Africa have looked like a well-gelled unit under Faf du Plessis but the way they capitulated against a quality opponent England, the team management will be well aware of the fact that another slip up against the side which has won its last nine series would be fatal.

South Africa would have wanted to enter the series with a settled unit, but unfortunately for them, it looks least likely. Dean Elgar and Aiden Markram are looking set to open the innings while the incumbent Hashim Amla would follow them at number three.

The conundrum surrounding the number four spot will give the team-management a lot to ponder. With AB de Villiers looking set to return to the Test team, Temba Bavuma might make way for the former skipper at the position. Four of the top five in South Africa’s batting line-up scored centuries against Bangladesh with Bavuma failed to impress. However, considering the fact that the right-handed batsman has bailed South Africa out of trouble on several occasions in recent times, it will be interesting to see the team’s pick.

Captain Faf du Plessis, who is out of action since suffering back injury during the ODI series against Bangladesh. Quinton de Kock will be the other middle-order batsman while  Theunis de Bruyn and Chris Morris, who has was sidelined with a lower-back injury since the England tour, are likely to be picked up as the allrounder. Keshav Maharaj will spearhead the spin department.

Dale Steyn is also likely to return to the team and giving him company in the pace department will be Kagiso Rabada, Morne Morkel and Duanne Olivier and Vernon Philander who missed the Bangladesh series due to injury.

Here is a look at South Africa’s squad (predicted) for the India series:

Faf du Plessis(c), Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, Temba Bavuma, Theunis de Bruyn, Quinton de Kock, Dean Elgar, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Chris Morris, Duanne Olivier, Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada, Wayne Parnell, Morne Morkel.