India’s Test tour of South Africa faces a formidable challenge as they succumbed to an innings defeat in the Boxing Day Test.
Rain interruptions and the absence of South Africa’s captain, Temba Bavuma, were not enough to turn the tide in India’s favour. Adding to the woes, India was penalised two World Test Championship (WTC) points for a slow over rate.
As the focus shifts to the second Test at Newlands starting on Wednesday, where India has never won in six attempts, the team confronts critical decisions.
The second-innings batting collapse exposed vulnerabilities, but it’s the bowling department that demands immediate attention.
Change bowlers Shardul Thakur and debutant Prasidh Krishna struggled for control, raising questions about their inclusion in the upcoming match.
Should India consider options like Mukesh Kumar or Avesh Khan, or perhaps opt for an out-and-out quick like R Ashwin?
Ravindra Jadeja, recovered from an upper back spasm, is set for inclusion in the playing XI, replacing Thakur, who is available but faced a shoulder blow post the first Test.
Skipper Rohit Sharma, in his pre-match briefing, highlighted the hesitancy in dropping Prasidh after just one opportunity.
In the South African camp, Captain Dean Elgar, now leading the Proteas in Bavuma’s absence, has a firm grip on the series trophy.
Fast bowler Gerald Coetzee’s injury could pave the way for Lungi Ngidi’s return, and left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj might feature if Ngidi isn’t match-fit.
Nandre Burger’s impactful performance with both bat and ball showcases South Africa’s depth, despite ongoing adjustments to the cricket landscape.
As South Africa eyes a 2-0 series sweep and bids farewell to Elgar in his final Test, India’s think-tank faces tough decisions to salvage the series.
The clash at Newlands promises an intense battle, with both teams eager to leave their mark in the quest for victory.
Expected India XI:
Rohit Sharma (capt)
Yashasvi Jaiswal
Shubman Gill
Virat Kohli
Shreyas Iyer
KL Rahul (wk)
Ravindra Jadeja
Shardul Thakur
Jasprit Bumrah
Mohammed Siraj
Prasidh Krishna/Mukesh Kumar
Expected South Africa XI:
Dean Elgar (capt)
Aiden Markram
Tony de Zorzi
Keegan Petersen
Zubayr Hamza
David Bedingham
Kyle Verreynne (wk)
Marco Jansen
Keshav Maharaj/Lungi Ngidi
Kagiso Rabada
Nandre Burger
