IND vs SA: Predicting India's playing XI for the South Africa Test series

India head into a two-match Test series against South Africa with a squad that mixes youth, recent form and experienced match-winners. This makes picking a likely XI straightforward. The selectors named Shubman Gill as captain and included Rishabh Pant after his fitness check, alongside a balanced group of batters, spinners and seamers.

Here’s the predicted playing XI for the Test series.

1. Yashasvi Jaiswal - A natural and currently the best batter in Tests from India, Jaiswal gives the side an aggressive, long-format opener who can seize the new ball sessions.

2. KL Rahul - The steady anchor that the team needs. His numbers in the WTC cycle put him among India’s top run-scorers, and he’s the obvious opening option.

3. Sai Sudharsan - Sai Sudharsan, for his technique and his stroke play, has been favoured so far, and that might continue in this small test series. 

4. Shubman Gill (c) - Form and results speak for themselves as Gill has been one of India’s most consistent Test run-scorers in the current WTC cycle, and the board’s decision to hand him the captaincy confirms he leads the side in the format.

5. Rishabh Pant (wk, vice-captain) - Fitness was the big question, but his 90 for India A and the board’s faith in his return make Pant the likely first-choice keeper if he clears fitness. He offers game-changing impact with the bat.

6. Ravindra Jadeja - Home conditions and his all-round value make Jadeja a lock. Control with left-arm spin, plus useful runs down the order, make him the MVP of the team.

7. Nitish Kumar Reddy - Since making his Test debut against Australia last year, Nitish Reddy has picked up 8 wickets in addition to scoring 386 runs in nine matches for Team India. The team has been grooming him as an all-rounder.

8. Washington Sundar - Sundar has played a total of 15 Tests for India so far and has 35 wickets and 761 runs to his name. He has played brilliantly in the format recently.

9. Kuldeep Yadav - Kuldeep’s wrist spin offers a different look and wicket threat. He has been a true match-winner in whatever games he has represented the team.

10. Jasprit Bumrah - India’s strike bowler when fit. Bumrah’s pace, control and WTC experience mean he’ll lead the attack whenever available.

11. Mohammed Siraj - The aggressive bowler who bowls in good areas and has thrived as Bumrah’s foil in recent seasons. Expect him to start alongside Bumrah.

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