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

South Africa are coming into the home Test series against India on the back of a 2-0 win in the West Indies. Notably, the Proteas have never lost a Test series against India at home.

Under a new skipper in Dean Elgar, South Africa would be keen to hold onto that record and continue their dominance in Tests against India at home. Ahead of the first Test scheduled to start on Boxing Day, here’s a look at our predicted playing XI of South Africa for the first Test.

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

Openers: Aiden Markram and Dean Elgar

The last time Dean Elgar batted in a home Test series against India, he scored over 200 runs in 3 Tests at an average of 41.40, including 2 half-centuries. He has become an even more mature cricketer since. Elgar will lead the team in the upcoming three-match series and would look to lead from the front.

His partner, Aiden Markram has been in stellar touch too. He has been scoring runs consistently for South Africa across formats. He will look to give the team strong starts at the top of the order for the team in the series.

Middle-order: Keegan Petersen, Rassie van der Dussen and Temba Bavuma

Keegan Petersen debuted for South Africa in West Indies this year. He scored 44 runs in three innings and the management would look to give him a longer run in the longest format.

Rassie van der Dussen was the second-highest run-scorer in the Test series against South Africa. He scored 125 runs in 2 Tests at an average of 62.50. Besides, Temba Bavuma marks his return in Tests after missing out against West Indies due to injury.

Wicket-keeper: Quinton de Kock

All-rounder and Spinner: Wiaan Mulder and Keshav Maharaj

Wiaan Mulder scored 33 runs and picked 3 wickets in 2 Tests against West Indies. He provides the option of an extra bowler and also adds depth in the batting unit. The team, however, would be hoping for an improved performance against India. As for the spin, Keshav Maharaj should make the cut. In the last Test tour of the West Indies, Maharaj picked 9 wickets in 2 matches at 12.44.

Bowlers: Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, and Duanne Olivier

Kagiso Rabada will lead the pace attack in the series. In the absence of Anrich Norje, he will have a lot of responsibility on his shoulders. He picked the most wickets on the Test tour of the West Indies. Rabada took 11 wickets in 2 Tests at 11.45. His form is important for South Africa’s fortune in the series. He will be partnered by the likes of Lungi Ngidi and Duanne Olivier in the pace department.