The first Test between India and South Africa is being played at the Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata. Temba Bavuma won the toss and elected to bat first. The surprising news from the toss was that Sai Sudarshan would not be playing. The question on everyone’s mind was who would bat at number three. Then, when the playing eleven sheet was released, it became clear that head coach Gautam Gambhir was experimenting with something new.
Temba Bavuma announced at the toss that his main fast bowler, Kagiso Rabada, would not be playing due to a rib injury. Shubman Gill, after losing the toss, said, “I guess I’ll only win the toss in the World Test Championship final now.” He expressed hope that the pitch would be favorable to the fast bowlers on the opening day.
New experiment at number three
Rishabh Pant, who was injured in England, has returned, but another wicketkeeper-batsman, Dhruv Jurel, is also part of the playing 11. Nitish had already been ruled out. Fans already knew this, but the absence of Sai Sudarshan surprised them.
All-rounder Washington Sundar has been placed at number three in the playing eleven. It remains to be seen how this new experiment by head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Shubman Gill will play out. KL Rahul and Yashasvi Jaiswal open the innings for India. Captain Gill comes in at number four.
Speaking of the bowling combination, Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj are playing as the two fast bowlers today, but there are four spinners available. Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel are playing as spin all-rounders alongside Washington Sundar. Kuldeep Yadav is also included in the playing 11.
India’s playing 11
Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Washington Sundar, Shubman Gill (captain), Rishabh Pant (wicketkeeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah , Mohammed Siraj.