Xtra Time Web Desk: The much-anticipated Boxing Day test between India and South Africa at Super Sport Park in Centurion on December 26 may face rain disruptions on Day 1. For the Indian cricket team, led by Rohit Sharma, this series is considered the Final Frontier, aiming to secure their first-ever Test series win in South Africa. Out of 23 Tests played in South Africa since 1992, India has won only four and lost 12. Despite levelling the T20I series and triumphing in the ODIs, India is eager to create history in the Test format.
The batting order features captain Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal opening, followed by Shubman Gill at number three and Virat Kohli at four. Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul occupy the fifth and sixth spots, with Rahul also taking on the wicket-keeping duties, as hinted by Rohit in the pre-match conference.
The number 7 position is secured by Ravindra Jadeja, but the major question arises at number 8, with discussions around playing Ashwin for his bowling variety. The Centurion Test is critical in rectifying past selection mistakes, especially regarding Ashwin, who was overlooked in the World Test Championship final in favour of Shardul, leading to criticism.
Jasprit Bumrah returns to the red-ball format after his last appearance in July 2022, adding potency to India’s pace attack. With Mohammed Shami absent, Prasidh Krishna is set to fill the void over Mukesh Kumar, thanks to his recent five-wicket haul for India ‘A’ against South Africa ‘A’ in Potchefstroom. The team is optimistic about Prasidh’s ability to extract extra bounce and capitalize on the pitch conditions. The Bengal pacer too have a very good chance of making it to the playing XI.
India aims to build on their T20I and ODI successes, eyeing a historic Test series win in South Africa, while addressing selection dilemmas and filling gaps in the pace department for a well-rounded performance.
India’s predicted XI: Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj