Dec 24, 2023, 05:11 PM IST

India's predicted playing XI for 1st Test vs South Africa​

Chankesh Rao

Rohit Sharma (c) 

Rohit Sharma will be leading the Indian cricket team for the upcoming Test Series against South Africa. Additionally, he will be taking charge as the opening batsman for the team.

Yashasvi Jaiswal

Yashasvi Jaiswal, following his remarkable debut Test Series against West Indies, has been selected to open the batting alongside Rohit Sharma.

Shubman Gill 

Gill is set to bat at number three, a position that is anticipated to become his permanent spot in the playing XI for Test matches.

Virat Kohli 

Virat Kohli, along with Rohit Sharma, has made a comeback to the India squad following the conclusion of the World Cup 2023 campaign. Kohli will be taking up the crucial No. 4 batting position.

KL Rahul (wk)

KL Rahul will take on the responsibility of being the wicketkeeper for the first time in Test Cricket, as Ishan Kishan is currently unavailable.

Shreyas Iyer 

Shreyas Iyer will with bat at No.6 position.

Ravindra Jadeja

Ravindra Jadeja is currently ranked as the world's number one Test all-rounder, making him an invaluable asset to Team India. His exceptional skills with both the bat and ball have solidified his position as a key player.

Shardul Thakur

Shardul Thakur may be chosen over Ravichandran Ashwin for the 1st Test due to the presence of a pace-friendly wicket.

Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah is set to make his long-awaited return to the Test format after an absence of over a year. Notably, he has been appointed as the designated vice-captain for the upcoming series.

Mohammed Siraj

Siraj will be looking to lead the pace attack alongside Bumrah.

Mukesh Kumar 

Due to Mohammed Shami's unavailability for the series due to injury, Mukesh Kumar is anticipated to fill his position.