Reports - Hanuma Vihari to make way for Virat Kohli, Ishant Sharma likely to replace Siraj for Cape Town Test

Virat Kohli is expected to return to the Indian team for the third and final Test match against South Africa in Cape Town. The regular Test skipper was unavailable in the second Test due to a back spasm. However, he has recovered from the blow and is likely to be back leading the side again. Hanuma Vihari in all circumstances will have to make way for the returning skipper. 

Meanwhile, the visitors have to make one forced change as Mohammed Siraj is likely to be unavailable due to a hamstring pull. The pacer was seen in visible discomfort in Johannesburg. Ishant Sharma is most likely to replace him. The management also has Umesh Yadav as another option. However, Ishant’s experience, coupled with his brilliant accuracy makes him the front runner to replace Siraj. The third and final Test match will begin on Tuesday (January 11). The series is currently tied 1-1, with the visitors winning the first game, and the hosts managing to win the second. The Cape Town Test match is set for a phenomenal finish.

Both teams have managed to do well with the ball in hand. For India, the likes of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Siraj, and Shardul Thakur have been accurate with their lines and lengths. For the hosts, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, and Marco Jansen have been relentless and amongst the wickets. However, both teams have had their fair share of struggles in batting. Barring Kl Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Dean Elgar, and Temba Bavuma, the other batters have struggled to make runs consistently.

Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane’s return to form should augur well for India.