IND vs SA: India's Predicted Playing XI vs South Africa, India vs South Africa 2021-22, First Test

India are set to begin the tour of South Africa with the first Test scheduled to be played from 26^th to 30^th December 2021 at SuperSport Park in Centurion. India last toured South Africa for a Test series in 2018.

They put on a great display with both bat and ball but, unfortunately, lost the series by 2-1 margin. Virat Kohli and Co. would look to better that record and help India win their ever Test series in South Africa. Ahead of the first Test against Proteas, here’s a look at India’s predicted playing XI

IND vs SA: India’s Predicted Playing XI vs South Africa, India vs South Africa 2021-22, First Test

Openers: KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal

India’s newly appointed vice-captain in Test Cricket, Rohit Sharma has been ruled out of the Test series. Shubman Gill also misses out due to injury. In their absence, KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal should open the innings in the first Test.

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KL Rahul was rested in the two-match home Test series against New Zealand. He has been in fine form, of late. The opener played well in the Test series in England and the team would expect him to exhibit similar performance in South Africa.

His partner, Mayank Agarwal too has been in blistering form. He recently scored a sensational century in the second Test against New Zealand and should look to continue his fine run in the longest format of the game.

Middle-order: Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane

India would have wanted their three experienced players, namely Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane to be in great form ahead of the series. However, that hasn’t been the case.

Virat Kohli looks far from his best in recent times. Pujara averages 29.82 this year, which is a lot lesser than his overall average of 44.8. Ahead of the series, there were doubts over Rahane’s place in the squad. But the management has again shown faith in his abilities and is likely to add him to the playing XI for the first Test, at least.

Wicket-keeper: Rishabh Pant

Between Saha and Pant, the latter is obviously going to get the nod. He was given rest in the two-match Test series in New Zealand. Pant will make a comeback in Tests in South Africa. This will be Rishabh Pant’s first Test series in South Africa.

It will be interesting to see how he fares with the bat and gloves. He has batted exceedingly well in Test cricket this year. Pant is, in fact, the second-highest run-scorer for India in Test Cricket in 2021. He should look to carry on his good form with the bat.

Spinner: Ravi Ashwin

Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel isn’t part of the squad due to their respective injuries. With Jadeja not in the squad, Ravichandran Ashwin is likely to make the cut. He didn’t play a single Test on the tour of England but showed his class in the home Test series against New Zealand. Keeping in mind his stellar form with the ball, the management would be keen to play him in the first Test.

All-rounder: Shardul Thakur

Fast Bowlers: J Bumrah, M Shami, and M Siraj

Both Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami wreaked havoc during India’s last tour of South Africa 2017-18. Shami and Bumrah picked 29 wickets combined in 3 Tests in the last Test series and the team would be hoping that the duo makes a similar impact this time around as well.

Ishant Sharma hasn’t been in the best of form with the ball. His last few appearances in Tests have been forgettable ones. On the other hand, Mohammad Siraj’s rich vein of form will tempt India to go with him ahead of the veteran fast bowler. Siraj has been in blistering form with the ball. Not a lot of people would have forgotten his recent new-ball burst in the second Test against New Zealand.