Parthiv Patel names near-set India’s playing XI for 1st Test vs South Africa

Former Team India wicketkeeper Parthiv Patel has named his preferred playing XI for India ahead of the first Test against South Africa. The two-match home series begins on November 14, with the opening Test set to take place at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

Speaking on Star Sports, Parthiv said that 10 out of 11 players select themselves for the home side. 

“Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul will open. Sai Sudharsan will be at No. 3, Shubman Gill at No. 4, and then you will see Rishabh Pant playing at No. 5. The No. 6 position is slightly tricky. Otherwise, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Siraj and Jasprit Bumrah,” he said.

According to him, the team management might be debating just one position — whether to go with an all-rounder like Nitish Kumar Reddy or strengthen the batting with Dhruv Jurel. Jurel has been in superb form recently, scoring two consecutive unbeaten centuries (132 and 127) in the second unofficial Test for India A against South Africa A. 

“The only thing is the combination you want to play with.” - Parthiv Patel

Whenever, he has been provided an opportunity, Jurel has scored runs for India. In the recent two-match home Test series against West Indies, he scored 175 runs in three innings, including a century.

"Whether it was against the West Indies or wherever and whichever position Jurel has gotten to bat in, he has scored runs. The only thing is the combination you want to play with. If your combination is that you want to play an all-rounder, then he might not get a place," the former wicketkeeper added.

Parthiv also said that conditions will play a big role in that decision. If the pitch allows, India could use Nitish Kumar Reddy as a third seamer along with Siraj and Bumrah, while also fielding three spinners — Jadeja, Sundar and Kuldeep.

“There will be only one question for India, and that will be at No. 6, whether you want to play Nitish Reddy or Dhruv Jurel. It will be an early start in Kolkata. So can Nitish Reddy play the role of the third seamer? Then you can use Nitish Reddy with two seamers, and three spinners will come in the second innings,” he added.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at BetBarter and download the BetBarter app to start betting today!