South Africa vs India 2nd Test: Probable XI
What's the story
India's 72 run defeat to South Africa in Cape Town was an eye opener for captain Virat Kohli who has some crucial selection decisions to make if they have to keep the three-match Test series alive. The second Test at Centurion will kick off on Saturday. Here is our probable eleven with some big names excluded from the team sheet.
Openers
KL Rahul and Murali Vijay
This may come as a surprise to many but Shikhar Dhawan who scored only 32 runs in the first Test at Cape Town is likely to make way for the in-form KL Rahul. Despite Dhawan being more experienced in South Africa, Rahul should get the nod ahead of him. Murali Vijay will partner Rahul to open the innings.
3 and 4
Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli
India's best Test batsmen Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli will retain the 3 and 4 spot. The duo underperformed according to their high standards and have even fallen down the ICC Test batsmen rankings. Considering Centurion is one of the quicker pitches in South Africa and the ball generally comes onto the bat, Kohli and Pujara should have no problem racking up the runs.
5 and 6
Ajinkya Rahane and Wriddhiman Saha
Ajinkya Rahane has been India's one of the best Test batsman overseas for years now. He provides stability to the middle order. Despite his poor form in the Sri Lanka series, Rahane should get the nod ahead of Rohit Sharma, who didn't make the most of his opportunity. With no other better wicketkeeper available for India, Saha is a no-brainer in the starting XI.
7 and 8
Hardik Pandya and Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Hardik Pandya was India's standout performer with the bat. In fact, he was the top scorer across both sides in the first innings. His contribution with the ball also played a key role in Cape Town. Bhuvi was India's best bowler in 1st Test. However, in Centurion where the ball comes on to the bat the 27-year-old's ability will be put to test.
Pace Trio
Shami, Ishant and Bumrah
Not often do India opt to go with an all-seam attack, but considering the condition at Centurion, Ishant Sharma could make his way into the team ahead of spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. Mohammed Shami, who underperformed in the first innings, will have to rise to the occasion. Jasprit Bumrah should also retain his spot in the starting XI.