India vs South Africa: India's Test Squad vs South Africa (Predicted)

After the ongoing two-match Test series against New Zealand, India are set to tour South Africa for three Tests and as many ODIs. Earlier, the two teams were scheduled to play an all-format series, including four T20Is as well. However, it has now been learned that the T20 series will be played later.

Following the discovery of a new covid variant, Omicron, in South Africa which has led to a surge in cases, there was a cloud of uncertainty over the tour. However, it has now been given a go-ahead by both the boards with a revised date and itinerary.

As per the revised schedule, the series is set to start after Christmas. The first Test will start on 26^th December in Centurion. The second and third will be from January 3 and January 11 or 12 in Cape Town. This will be followed by three one-day internationals, all taking place in Centurion.

As per reports, the selectors are expected to announce the squad for the tour in a few days. On that note, let’s take a look at our predicted 15-member squad for the Test series.

India vs South Africa: India’s Test Squad vs South Africa (Predicted)

1. Rohit Sharma

After resting for the two-match Test series against New Zealand, Rohit Sharma will be making a comeback in the Test team for the series against South Africa. He has been the standout performer for India in 2021 in Test Cricket. Rohit Sharma has, in fact, scored the second most number of runs in 2021 in Test Cricket. In 11 matches, he has 906 runs at 47.68.

2. KL Rahul

KL Rahul is likely to be the second opener for the Test series in South Africa. He was brilliant with the bat on the England tour. KL Rahul formed a great opening pair with Rohit Sharma and stitched crucial partnerships at the top of the order. He was the third-highest run-scorer in the series, amassing 315 runs in 4 matches at 39.38.

3. Mayank Agarwal

Mayank Agarwal should be part of the squad as the backup opener for the South Africa tour after playing two outstanding knocks in the second Test against New Zealand. Mayank Agarwal led the way with the bat in the first innings of the second Test as he scored a sensational 150 off 311 deliveries. He followed it up with a vital 62 off 108 deliveries in the second innings. Overall, he scored 242 runs in 2 matches at an average of 60.50.

4. Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli will lead the Indian Cricket Team on the tour. India have a great record in Tests under Virat’s leadership. However, Virat’s form with the bat doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence. He has played 10 matches in 2021 and has managed to score only 458 runs at an average of 28. Virat Kohli will have a great Test ahead of an important tour of South Africa.

5. Cheteshwar Pujara

Cheteshwar Pujara scored 47 off 97 deliveries in the second innings of the last Test against New Zealand. Though, his overall tally in the series wasn’t too inspiring. Pujara’s selection currently is hanging on a thread. However, his experience of playing under such conditions might give him the nod ahead of some youngsters. Pujara has scored 686 runs in 13 Tests in 2021 at an average of 29.82.

6. Shreyas Iyer

The manner in which Shreyas Iyer made his Test debut against New Zealand, has certainly strengthened his chances of getting into the Test squad. Iyer made his Test series debut recently in the first Test against New Zealand in Kanpur.

In his very first Test, he blazed his way to a sensational ton on a difficult pitch. He followed it up with a half-century in the second innings. With Ajinkya Rahane not in the best of forms, Shreyas Iyer might get the nod ahead of him.

7. Rishabh Pant

Rishabh Pant too was given rest for the two-match Test series against New Zealand. Pant has batted pretty well this year in Test Cricket. He is, in fact, the second-highest run-scorer for India in Test Cricket in 2021. In 11 Tests this year, he has managed to score 706 runs at an average of 41.52.

8. Wriddhiman Saha

In the absence of Pant, W Saha got the opportunity to play both the Tests against New Zealand. He kept the wickets brilliantly and took some crucial catches behind the wickets. In 2 matches, Saha managed to score 95 runs at 23.75, including a half-century. He should retain his position as the second wicket-keeper in the squad.

9. Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin continues to exhibit outstanding performances in Test Cricket. He has been brilliant with the ball in the ongoing Test series against New Zealand. At the time of writing, Ashwin has picked 10 wickets in 2 matches at 12.50. Besides, Ashwin also contributed runs with the ball and stitched crucial partnerships at lower down the order. He made 70 runs in 2 matches at 23.33.

10. Ravindra Jadeja

Given how Axar Patel has performed in the Test series against New Zealand, he is giving neck-to-neck competition to Ravindra Jadeja for the position of the second spinner in the squad. Jadeja, however, too, has been in great touch.

His ability to contribute significantly in all facets of the game should give him the nod ahead of Axar. Jadeja played only the first Test against New Zealand. He picked 5 wickets and also scored a half-century.

11. Jasprit Bumrah

After being rested for the Test series against New Zealand, Jasprit Bumrah will be making his comeback in the Test side. For those of you who don’t know, Bumrah made his Test debut in South Africa in 2018.

He finished the series with 14 wickets in 3 matches at an average of 17.01, including a five-wicket haul. The fans would hope that Bumrah would replicate a similar performance in the upcoming tour.

12. Mohammed Shami

The last time India played a Test series in South Africa, Mohammed Shami wreaked havoc with the ball. He picked a four-for and a five-for and finished as the highest wicket-taker for India.

In 3 Tests, he managed to pick 15 wickets at an average of 17.07. Shami too will be making his comeback in the Test series after being rested for the two-match Test series against New Zealand. He is likely to play a key role for India in the Test series.

13. Ishant Sharma

Ishan Sharma will be the senior-most member in India’s fast bowling unit for the Test series. He is an important part of the squad but might not feature in the playing XI of the first Test.

Sharma wasn’t at his best on the tour of England and didn’t take a single wicket in the first Test against New Zealand. India would hope that he makes a roaring comeback and performs well against the Proteas.

14. Mohammed Siraj

Mohammed Siraj has impressed one and all with the ball in Test Cricket and has become an integral cog in India’s Test bowling squad. Siraj replaced Ishant Sharma in the second Test against New Zealand and bowled a sensational spell of fast bowling.

He took 3 out of the first four wickets to leave New Zealand reeling at 27 for 4. He bowled only 4 overs in the first innings and picked 3 wickets for 19 runs. Keeping in mind his recent performances, he might get the nod ahead of Ishant Sharma in the first Test against South Africa.

15. Umesh Yadav

Umesh has featured in both the Tests against New Zealand. He picked 2 wickets in the first Test and but only bowled five overs in the ongoing second Test thus far. Umesh Yadav should complete India’s 15-man squad for the Test series against South Africa.