Ind vs SA, Boxing Day Test: India Set To Clash Against South Africa In Centurion; Check India's Probable Playing XI

Shreyas Iyer, who had scored a brilliant ton in his Test debut, might be benched in the first Test. Hanuma Vihari might also find it difficult to find a place in India's playing XI.

New Delhi: The first Test of the three-match Test series between India and South Africa is set to start from Sunday. The biggest challenge for skipper Virat Kohli in the much-awaited Boxing Day Test will be the selection of the playing XI.

Team India's newly-appointed Test vice-captain KL Rahul has already announced that Team India will field five bowlers in Ind vs SA 1st Test. It'll be very difficult for Virat to pick their batters for the India-South Africa Boxing Day Test.

All-rounder Shardul Thakur might get a chance in the playing XI. Veteran speedster Ishant Sharma has not been in good form and he might find it difficult to find a place in India's playing XI for first Test.

Talking about India's probable playing XI, it is almost certain that KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal will open the innings for India. Senior batter Cheteshwar Pujara might bat at number three.

Skipper Virat Kohli's batting spit is most likely will bat at number four. Virat might ask Ajinkya Rahane to bat at number five.

Shreyas Iyer, who had scored a brilliant ton in his Test debut, might be benched in the first Test. Hanuma Vihari might also find it difficult to find a place in India's playing XI.

Wicket-keeper batter Rishabh Pant will surely come down to bat at number six. India's another wicket-keeping option, Wriddhiman Saha, who performed brilliantly in the Test series against New Zealand, might also miss a chance to secure a spot in playing XI.

Virat might pick in-form all-rounder Shardul Thakur at number seven. Senior spinner R Ashwin, who was benched for the entire India's tour of England, might get included in playing XI as the leading spinner.

Mohammed Shami and Jasprit Bumrah are set to be picked as fast-bowlers in the playing XI. Both of them will be seen bowling together in a Test match after September. Mohammad Siraj might be preferred over Ishant Sharma.

India's Probable Playing XI in Boxing Day Test: Virat Kohli (Captain), KL Rahul (Vice Captain), Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant (WK), Shardul Thakur, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj.