After losing the second test in the 3 match series, Team India will get a major boost with the return of captain Virat Kohli in the starting XI. The 33-year-old star missed out on the last game due to a minor back injury and is set to lead the team in a crucial encounter at Cape Town. There are also expectations for a few changes in the first XI as head coach Rahul Dravid cannot miss the opportunity to guide the Men in Blue to a very rare test series win in South Africa. Legendary Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh expects Kohli to play two spinners in Cape Town.
“Cape Town will present India their biggest chance of winning this series. It is very important for India to play two spinners here. I believe that on this pitch, spinners have always enjoyed a lot of assistance. Every time I have played here, my best analysis have come at this venue. I picked up seven wickets in an innings in Cape Town. Even other spinners have performed well. So India too I feel should field two spinners at this venue. Who partners Ashwin from the other end is something Rahul Dravid and the team management will have to ponder,” Harbhajan said in a video posted on his YouTube channel on Monday.
Let us look at the probable playing XI of Team India vs South Africa for the 3rd and final Test match
Mayank Agarwal:
The opening batsman is in good form but could not capitalize on his good starts to every innings he has played so far in the series. With 113 runs so far in four innings, Mayank will be looking to play a healthy knock in the final Test.
KL Rahul:
India’s top scorer in this series, KL Rahul has managed 204 runs with an average of 51. Rahul captained India in the second test in the absence of Kohli and will be looking to put a strong effort in the series decider.
Cheteshwar Pujara:
The experienced batter will be looking to play a match-winning knock which is a long time due from his bat.
Now only a full-time Test match skipper for India, Kohli will be desperate to guide the Men in Blue to a test series win in South Africa. Hanuma Vihari is expected to make way.
Ajinkya Rahane:
The second-highest run-getter for the side, Rahane’s position in the final test is still in some doubt as Shreyas Iyer is knocking on the door for the number 5 spot in the batting lineup. However, after a brilliant half-century in the second innings last game, Jinx can be given another chance.
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Wriddhiman Saha:
The veteran wicket-keeper batsman from Bengal can be given the nod in place of out of form Rishabh Pant, who once again threw his wicket away in a crucial time last game.
Shardul Thakur:
In the form of his life, Thakur is one of the first names on the team sheet right now. He will be playing as a bowling all-rounder in the final test.
Ravichandran Ashwin:
In pace friendly conditions so far, Ashwin has not made an impact yet with the bowl. Maybe the Cape Town surface would help him get some more purchase out of it.
Ishant Sharma:
With Mohammed Siraj has been ruled out and the veteran Indian pacer can get a chance in the starting XI. Umesh Yadav is another option to replace Siraj.
Mohammed Shami:
With 11 wickets in the bag, Shami is one of Kohli’s top weapons going into the third test.
Jasprit Bumrah:
Alongside Shami, Bumrah will be leading the pace attack for the Indian team at Cape Town.
The third Test will begin today (11th January) at 2.00 PM IST.
