Cape Town: India's tour of South Africa is special for both fans and players. This is the first time that country captain Virat Kohli will take over the reins of the team. He has faced many critics during his time as captain, but he has proved his mettle on the field. The first Test between South Africa and India is scheduled to be played in Centurion on January 18. Both the teams will try to win the match and take the lead in the three-match series.
One of the toughest issues facing the Indian team management will be a decision between Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari and Shreyas Iyer. All three players are vying for the fifth spot. Former vice-captain Rahane has struggled to make an impact in the last year. Rahane has scored 411 runs in 12 Tests this year at an average of 19.57. Hanuma Vihari, on the other hand, staked his claim by scoring three consecutive half-centuries at Bloemfontein during South Africa's tour of India A earlier this month. Meanwhile, after reaching a century on his Test debut against New Zealand, Shreyas Iyer showed his mettle by scoring a half-century in the second innings.
Also, in bowling, India will have to choose between veteran pacer Ishant Sharma, who has 105 Test playing experience, and new pacer Mohammad Siraj. After his outstanding performances in Australia and England, Mohammad Siraj is hoping for a stellar performance against South Africa. Siraj has 33 wickets in ten Tests, including five wickets in Australia and four wickets on home soil in England.
Likely XI for India in the first Test: KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane/Hanuma Vihari/Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, Shardul Thakur, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mohammad Siraj, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah.
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