IND vs SA: Big Question Is Whether You Leave Out Ajinkya Rahane Or Hanuma Vihari: Saba Karim

Former Indian national selector Saba Karim said that Virat Kohli and head coach Rahul Dravid will decide whom to drop from India’s playing XI in the third Test against South Africa.

Kohli missed the second Test in Johannesburg as he sustained an upper back spasm and KL Rahul led the team in his absence. Kohli confirmed in the pre-match press conference that he will return to the side as he regained his fitness completely.

Virat Kohli will have to decide with Rahul Dravid: Saba Karim on India’s playing XI

Hyderabad batter Hanuma Vihari replaced Kohli in the Indian team for the Johannesburg Test. Vihari remained unbeaten on 40 as he propelled India’s lead to 239 in the second innings with some firing shots.

On the other hand, Rahane went for a golden duck in the first innings but covered it with his 78-ball 58 as he forged a 111-run stand with Cheteshwar Pujara in the second innings.

Karim asserted that Dravid and Kohli will together decide to select between Rahane and Vihari for the Cape Town Test.

“The biggest question that will be posed is the team composition. Virat will have to decide with Rahul Dravid what the XI should be. The big question is, because Virat Kohli is coming back into the XI, whether you will leave out Ajinkya Rahane or Hanuma Vihari,” Karim told India News.

You should definitely play Ishant Sharma: Saba Karim

Apart from his return to the team, Kohli also confirmed that Mohammed Siraj won’t play the third Test owing to a hamstring injury.

The chances for senior bowler Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav have opened up to be included in the playing XI of the Cape Town Test. Karim feels that Ishant should be prefered considering his experience but later said the one who bowls better in nets will make the cut.

“Siraj is injured at the moment, so whom will you play instead of him. I feel if you look towards experience, you should definitely play Ishant Sharma. But things will be decided based on who is bowling better between Umesh and Ishant in the nets,” Karim said.

India will play against South Africa in the third Test at the Newlands in Cape Town, the match begins on January 11 (Tuesday).

Also Read: IND vs SA: Ishant Sharma Or Umesh Yadav! MSK Prasad, Deep Dasgupta Pick Favourite Pacer To Replace Mohammed Siraj In 3rd Test