India’s probable starting XI for the second Test against South Africa. When India plays South Africa in the second Test in Cape Town, they will try to even the two-match series. The competition will begin on Wednesday, January 3.
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India’s probable starting XI for the second Test against South Africa
After losing by an innings and 32 runs in the first match, the visitors’ aspirations of winning their first Test series in the Rainbow Nation are officially dashed.
However, the World Test Championship setting implies that they have a lot to play for.
India may make one or two changes to their starting lineup, but consistency will be important on the short rubber.
India’s Test squad for the South Africa series: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Abhimanyu Easwaran, KS Bharat (wk), KL Rahul (wk), Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah (vc), Prasidh Krishna, Avesh Khan.
Rohit Sharma, Yashasvi Jaiswal (Openers)
In Centurion, Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal did not do well.
The former, in particular, had a dreadful game, complete with a bad dismissal in the first innings and some mediocre captaincy. Meanwhile, the latter would seek to cement his place as India’s Test opener.
Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (Middle Order)
Abhimanyu Easwaran is a candidate to compete, although he was added late to the roster and may not have the trust of the team management.
India may stick with the same middle order, despite the fact that a handful of these stars are batting outside their natural positions.
Shubman Gill has looked out of place at No. 3, vulnerable to both seam and swing. However, India may keep the kid at that position for another Test before moving him to No. 5, where he is more suited.
Virat Kohli looked secure in the middle order and will be India’s most crucial batter. Despite his sloppy second-innings dismissal, KL Rahul looked well as well.
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Shreyas Iyer, on the other hand, must adjust his game to fit the Newlands pitch. Pace and bounce have never been his friends, and he must punch above his weight to win.
Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur (All-rounders)
According to rumors, the Cape Town pitch will be dry, allowing spinners to enter the fray early. However, India is unlikely to take the risk of playing two spinners.
Ravindra Jadeja should replace Ravichandran Ashwin in the XI after recovering from the niggle that kept him out of the first Test.
Given his good technique, the southpaw may even be elevated ahead of Rahul and Iyer in the batting order.
Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna (Bowlers)
Prasidh Krishna struggled in his Test debut, and there’s always the option of bringing in Avesh Khan or Mukesh Kumar.
However, Rohit supported the quick bowler during the pre-match news conference, claiming that he will improve with time.
So, for the Cape Town Test, India may go with the same fast-bowling team, with Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj handling the new ball.
Siraj, Prasidh, and Thakur will need to back up Bumrah, who was Centurion’s lone impressive bowler.