In anticipation of the highly awaited 1st Test between India and South Africa in Centurion, former Indian legendary batter Sunil Gavaskar has picked his preferred Indian playing XI.
Gavaskar’s choice involves a mix of three pacers and two spinners for the match. The former cricketer responded to inquiries about his favoured lineup and went with a well-balanced composition to confront South Africa on their home soil.
Gavaskar seems to prioritise adaptability to the prevailing conditions as a key aspect of his selection strategy, a vital factor in the impending contest. Under the leadership of Rohit Sharma, Team India is gearing up for a significant endeavour to secure a historic series triumph in South Africa.
My Playing XI is going to be very simple. The openers will be [Yashasvi] Jaiswal and captain Rohit Sharma. Shubman Gill number three, number four [Virat] Kohli. Number five KL Rahul, number six Shreyas Iyer or five and six that can move here and there. After that, it will be Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin. And then the three fast bowlers, Mukesh Kumar, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj,” Gavaskar said while speaking to Star Sports.
There is still a question on the availability of Virat Kohli who rushed back home due to a family emergency. It is still unknown whether he will join the team before 26th december or not.
Sunil Gavaskar’s Playing XI For The 1st Test:
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul z Shrayas Iyer, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mukesh Kumar, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah.
