The upcoming Test series in India poses a formidable challenge for the reigning World Test Champions, South Africa. Historically, the team has struggled significantly in India, losing six out of their last seven Tests there. The only match that did not result in a loss ended due to rain.
South Africa’s Historical Struggles in India
South Africa’s last tour to India included a disappointing performance in 2015-2016, where they faced a young Indian side. The South African team struggled with the turning pitches, which they had anticipated would favor them. More recently, during their 2019-2020 tour, India continued to dominate on batting-friendly surfaces, further exacerbating South Africa’s woes.
Changes in the South African Squad
- Keshav Maharaj leads the spin attack, boasting experience from 60 Tests.
- Kagiso Rabada remains a key fast bowler in the lineup.
- Marco Jansen is expected to secure a spot ahead of Wiaan Mulder.
As South Africa prepares for this challenging encounter, they bring a squad rich in experience, ready to tackle the complexities of Indian conditions.
India’s Recent Form and Team Composition
India currently ranks third in the World Test Championship points table. They have shown resilience, drawing a series against England and securing a clean sweep over the West Indies. Despite suffering a surprising loss to New Zealand last year, India’s core remains strong.
Key Players to Watch
- Keshav Maharaj: Will be crucial for taking wickets on helpful pitches.
- Shubman Gill: The young captain needs to adapt quickly after a busy playing schedule.
With Rishabh Pant recovering from injury, India has decided to retain Dhruv Jurel as a specialist batter, keeping the rest of the team unchanged. The anticipated lineup includes:
| Player Position | Player Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Yashasvi Jaiswal |
| 2 | KL Rahul |
| 3 | B Sai Sudharsan |
| 4 | Shubman Gill (capt) |
| 5 | Rishabh Pant (wk) |
| 6 | Dhruv Jurel |
| 7 | Ravindra Jadeja |
| 8 | Washington Sundar |
| 9 | Kuldeep Yadav |
| 10 | Jasprit Bumrah |
| 11 | Mohammed Siraj |
Match Conditions at Eden Gardens
The Test match is scheduled at Eden Gardens, where the pitch is expected to favor batting but may offer some assistance for reverse swing. The conditions will pose challenges, especially for the team that loses the toss. Notably, Shubman Gill has been unsuccessful in winning tosses recently, having managed just one win in seven matches as captain.
Conclusion
As South Africa embarks on what could be its toughest series yet, they will need a blend of experience and adaptability to succeed against a determined Indian side. With both teams facing unique pressures, this series promises a riveting display of Test cricket.
