India's Predicted XI vs South Africa, 1st Test: Will Ravichandran Ashwin Get A Chance?

With an aim to register their maiden Test series win in South Africa, India will face the Proteas in the 1st Test of the two-match series, starting December 26 at SuperSport Park in Centurion. Veterans Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be back in the team alongside pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah as India will restart their quest for the historic series win. India have played a total of 8 Test series in South Africa. Out of that, they lost 7 and drew 1. Under the captaincy of Rohit, the Indian team will aim to turn the tables this time.

Mohammed Shami has been ruled out of the series while Ishan Kishan has opted out due to "personal reasons".

Here is what we think could be India's playing XI for 1st Test against South Africa:

Rohit Sharma (c): It will be the first game for the India skipper post the Cricket World Cup 2023 final heartbreak. He will aim to forget the past and march into the first Test with added energy as India continue their quest to clinch their maiden Test series win in South Africa.

Yashasvi Jaiswal: It will be a superb test for the prodigy, who has shown promising signs at the start of his international career. India are likely to give him chance as an opener.

Shubman Gill: The star batter will also be in the spotlight, especially if he bats at number 3 - a position that for long belonged to the solid Cheteshwar Pujara. As India aim to move forward without the Test veteran, Gill's performance in the tough South Africa tour will speak a lot about the impact of the decision.

Virat Kohli: The right-handed batter will be back into the Indian colours after a break post the Cricket World Cup final. He is touring the side as a batter this time, unlike the previous series in 2021-21 in which he was the