Team India would be leaving for the South Africa tour after wrapping up the Sri Lanka series. Virat Kohli maintains that the Lankan series was like a dress rehearsal for team India before the South African series. The overseas series will be the litmus test for a team that thrives on challenges. India leaves for South Africa on December 27. They will first play a practise game before the first Test starting January 5. While the team selection has not yet taken place, there were speculations it will take place on November 27. Virat Kohli, in the meanwhile, has been rested owing to the non-stop cricket he has been playing in this home season. This will allow him to prep for the African challenge.
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It is likely that the players who have been a part of the team during the Sri Lanka Test series will automatically make the cut and board the flight. But there are 5 cricketers we feel should also board the flight. Take a look at our prospective list.
Kuldeep Yadav:
This promising youngster has made the most of what has been on offer for him. He is surely growing fast on the international stage. We feel Kuldeep should also board the South Africa bound flight because he can spin the ball on any pitch. Pitches in South Africa do not offer much spin for a wrist spinner like Ravichandran Ashwin or a Jadeja, but for Kuldeep, he can spin magic on any surface and that is why he should be selected.
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Parthiv Patel:
India is travelling abroad for a long season and hence going by his domestic form, Parthiv Patel we feel should be included in the squad. Of course, there is a KL Rahul there, in case Saha picks up a niggle, but in a Test match, it is always advisable to have a specialist keeper.Specialist keepers are important in Tests because opportunities hardly come and if it comes, one cannot afford to miss it.
Vijay Shankar:
The domestic hero has got gallons of domestic runs under his belt and hence he was considered for selection in the second Test after Shikhar Dhawan was rested. He may be too inexperienced for the international stage, but he has the makings of becoming a star cricketer in the future.
Shreyas Iyer:
Iyer is arguably the most talented player in the domestic circuit currently. He has played for India but has not got a long rope. Iyer could be in contention if India is looking for somebody who can be pushed at any time if there is an injury in the top and middle order. A handy cricketer to have on the bench, especially when travelling offshores. Iyer has played for India in coloured clothes but is yet to make it in the whites.
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Jasprit Bumrah:
Touted as one of the best death over bowlers in the world, Bumrah has it all but is yet to make it into the team in the whites. Even Ricky Ponting thinks he is great. “If you look at the skills Bumrah has and the way he has come through over the last two years, then he is ready to play Test cricket. He’s got everything. He’s got an unusual action, got good pace and with the brand new ball can get some good movement in the air,” said Ponting.
