SA vs IND: Sanjay Manjrekar shares India’s best XI for first Test; no place for spin stalwart

As India gear up for the red-ball cricket series on their tour to South Africa, speculation surrounds the composition of the playing XI of the guests. In the lead-up to the first encounter at the Supersport Park in Centurion, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar has offered insights into his ideal lineup.

With high stakes and challenging conditions, the cricketer-turned-commentator has carefully crafted a playing XI that combines experience, skill, and adaptability. The cricketing fraternity eagerly awaits the real-time manifestation of these expert choices as the red-ball duels promise to be a riveting spectacle of skill and drama.

Strong openers and reliable middle batting order

Rohit Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal, forming a dynamic left-right opening duo, stand poised to dismantle formidable bowling attacks for their side. Complemented by Shubman Gill at three, the lineup features cricketing ace Virat Kohli at four, followed by the middle-order prowess of Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul. This well-balanced composition, blending experience and youthful vigour, sets an optimistic tone for India as they prepare for upcoming challenges.

Batting all-rounders prime focus

The emphasis on batting all-rounders in the side are highlighted through the dynamic abilities of Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur. With their versatile skills that seamlessly combine batting and bowling prowess, the duo brings a crucial balance to the team.

Also READ: Gautam Gambhir reveals his India playing XI for the first Test against South Africa

Formidable pace attack:

The backbone of India’s pace attack could be the formidable trio of Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj and Mukesh Kumar. This pace triumvirate brings a potent combination of experience, skill, and raw pace, capable of posing a significant threat to the opposition. Bumrah’s unorthodox and lethal deliveries, Siraj’s relentless accuracy blended with Kumar’s ability to extract movement make for a well-rounded and dynamic pace bowling unit.

Sanjay Manjrekar’s India XI for the Boxing Day Test against South Africa:

Rohit Sharma (c), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, and Mukesh Kumar.

Also READ: Faf du Plessis reveals the reason behind Indian batter’s struggle in South Africa

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