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The first Test between India and South Africa will kick off on November 14 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata. Having won the two-match series against the West Indies, India would look to continue the winning run against the Proteas. Rishabh Pant, who hasn't played for India since the 4th Test against England, following which he was ruled out due to injury, returned to the side. India have a few selection conundrums heading into the first Test. With Rishabh Pant back, Dhruv Jurel's place in the XI is uncertain, but it would be a very harsh call if he is left out, especially given the fact that he scored two hundreds in challenging conditions for India A against South Africa A. India would be tempted to play Jurel, but that would mean a major change in the batting order. To play Jurel, India might have to promote KL Rahul at three, followed by Rishabh Pant at four, and Jurel at 5. Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, and Axar Patel would provide India enough bowling options without compromising batting depth. India could also drop one of the all-rounders and play Sai Sudharsan, with batters retaining their batting position, but that would mean India would have just five bowling options, something they are not a fan of. The first option, leaving out Sai Sudharsan for Jurel, definitely looks a decent move, especially the fact that India will be playing most of their Tests in the current WTC cycle in the subcontinent, and the change in batting order shouldn't affect the team much. India’s Likely XI For 1st Test: Shubman Gill (C), Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Rishabh Pant (WK) (VC), Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Sports, Cricket and around the world.
