Aoba Tanaka 
In the upcoming Test series against South Africa, Indian captain Rohit Sharma has announced a strategic shift for KL Rahul, who will take on the role of wicketkeeper and bat in the middle order. As India returns to Test cricket with a two-match series, key players, including Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah, are set to play their first international match since the 2023 World Cup final.
While Mohammed Shami is unavailable due to an ankle injury, the team is considering options for the fast-bowling department, with Mukesh Kumar and Prasidh Krishna in contention. Prasidh Krishna, known for his distinctive bowling style, may earn his maiden Test cap in Centurion.
KL Rahul, who captained India in a Test on their last South Africa tour and scored a century, will undergo a positional change, moving from his regular opening slot to the middle order. Rohit Sharma confirmed that Rahul will also take on the wicketkeeping duties, showcasing his versatility in the team. This strategic move opens up an opportunity for Yashasvi Jaiswal to establish himself as Rohit’s opening partner.
The middle order is expected to feature Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, and Shreyas Iyer, with Rahul occupying the No.6 spot. The team is likely to persist with Ravindra Jadeja as the preferred spin-bowling all-rounder, while Shardul Thakur will assume the role of the fast-bowling all-rounder. The pace attack will be led by Bumrah, supported by Mohammed Siraj and potentially Prasidh Krishna.
Anticipation is high as India aims for a historic Test series win in South Africa, and the predicted XI reflects a strategic blend of experience and emerging talent.
India’s Predicted XI for the first Test vs South Africa:
Openers: Rohit Sharma (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal
Top and middle-order: Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer
Wicketkeeper: KL Rahul (WK)
All-rounders: Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur
Pacers: Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna
