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India vs South Africa 3rd Test: Probable Playing XI
22 Jan 2018
Having gone 0-2 in the series against South Africa, Team India will have to do all they can to avert a whitewash, when they take the field for the third Test in Johannesburg on Wednesday.
While selecting the ideal playing XI still remains a dilemma for Virat Kohli, here is our predicted XI.
Murali Vijay and KL Rahul
Openers
Murali Vijay and KL Rahul are likely to open the batting for India.
The openers have struggled in the series so far, but Team India has no better options.
Rahul picked up a knock in training but he is likely to shake it off before Wednesday.
Batsmen have struggled at the Wanderers before, India will be hoping these two can keep their wickets intact.
Cheteshwar Pujara and Virat Kohli
3 and 4
Picking India's number 3 and 4 is a no-brainer and these players are the first ones to get on the team sheet.
Pujara has had plenty to ponder about, after throwing away his wicket twice in the second Test.
Kohli, who has been India's lone performer in the series, will look to keep his runs going.
Ajinkya Rahane and Dinesh Karthik
5 and 6
Finally, the name several fans wanted to see India's vice-captain, Rahane might be given the nod ahead of the under-performing Rohit Sharma.
Rahane has been one of India's best batsmen overseas but was ignored for the last 2 Tests and might finally get a chance to redeem himself.
'Butterfingers' Parthiv Patel should pave way for wicket-keeper batsman Dinesh Karthik.
Hardik Pandya and Ravichandran Ashwin
All-rounders
Hardik Pandya's all-around ability makes him a crucial member of the Indian team.
The 24-year-old can clock speeds of 140 kmph, which makes him a potent weapon.
Pandya was also India's top scorer in the 1st Test.
Ashwin starred with the ball in the Centurion Test, however, the Wanderers does not have much to offer to spinners, but Kohli might not leave him out.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Mohammed Shami, and Ishant Sharma
Pacers
After being India's best bowler in 1st Test, Bhuvi was surprisingly dropped for the 2nd Test.
However, we expect Kohli to bring him back in place of Bumrah.
Shami has performed below par but showed signs of life in 2nd innings at Centurion. For this reason, he might get the nod.
Ishant, being the most experienced, would be lethal at Wanderers.
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