(Cricket news) India are all set to take on South Africa in a 3 match Test Series. The first one will be played on boxing day in Centurion. Rohit Sharma, Shubhman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel are not in the squad due to injuries which is a very big loss to India. India has never won a Test series in South Africa and this could be their best chance of doing so.

India's ideal playing XI:

Openers: Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul

Without Gill and Rohit, the opening combination becomes very obvious with KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal. The pair have a very good understanding as they have played with each other since the under-19 level. Agarwal comes into the tour on the back of a match winning ton against New Zealand in Mumbai. Rahul on the other hand has had a fantastic tour of England and has been made the vice captain of the side. Priyank Panchal is a backup incase there is an injury but it is fairly clear that the two will play all the 3 games. 

Middle order: Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane and Hanuma Vihari

Despite the three most experienced batters in this side not being in great form they need to be backed especially while touring South Africa. Rahane is the one who is under pressure after losing his vice captaincy. He is likely to be given at least one game to try and get some runs and strengthen his position in the team for at least this tour. After being dropped for the home series against New Zealand, Hanuma Vihari went to South Africa with India A and had a good series. Vihari is experienced in playing overseas and should be preferred over Shreyas Iyer who had a dream debut against New Zealand. Virat Kohli likes to play 5 bowlers which will be very difficult to do without Jadeja and Axar. Hanuma Vihari's off spin could come in handy unless they play Rishabh Pant at 6 with Ravichandran Ashwin and Shardul Thakur as bowling all-rounders. Playing 5 bowlers would massively affect the batting depth of the side and the risk.of a collapse increases. 

Wicket keeper: Rishabh Pant

Despite Wriddhiman Saha having a good series against England, Rishabh Pant's place was never in danger. He will slot straight back into the side. This will be the gloveman's first tour of South Africa which is possibly the toughest country to bat in. After multiple good performances in England and Australia, Pant will be keen to showcase his talent in South Africa as well.

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Spinner: Ravichandran Ashwin

Ashwin didn't play a single game in England but with Jadeja injured he will almost definitely play all 3 games and will be very crucial in India's chances of winning. He will also have to contribute with the bat as he has done multiple times in the past. Stitching small 50 partnerships and getting 20-30 runs here and there could be a difference maker in South Africa. Jayant Yadav is a good backup option to have

Seamers: Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj

India are stacked in their fast bowling options. Shami and Bumrah pick themselves after recent performances. Siraj has rarely disappointed in Indian colours and has become a very lethal bowler. Ishant Sharma, Umesh Yadav and Shardul Thakur are very reliable options to have on the bench. There is a chance that Virat Kohli and Rahul Dravid decide to back Ishant Sharma at least for the first Test because of his experience of bowling in South Africa which Siraj doesn't have. There are 3 Tests in a space of 21 days which means that there is a high possibility that the seamers will be rotated according to the situation and combination of the side.