IND vs SA: Abhishek Nayar picks Team India’s playing XI for first Test against South Africa

The long awaited India vs South Africa Test series are just around the corner, and ahead of the first Test at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, former India assistant coach Abishek Nayar has revealed his predicted XI for Team India. Led by Shubman Gillthe Men in Blue will compete against each other Temba Bavuma‘s South Africa, the ruling World Testing Championship (WTC) winners, in what promises to be a gripping match between two formidable red ball teams.

Abhishek Nayar backs Dhruv Jurel as second wicketkeeper

Nayar’s selection has sparked intrigue, especially with his decision to include Dhruv Jurel as the second wicketkeeper next to it Rishabh pants. The former Mumbai cricketer praised Jurel’s recent form and highlighted his two centuries for India ‘A’ against South Africa ‘A’ in Bengaluru as a key factor behind his inclusion.

“I would like that, when you’ve stuck with someone for so long. Dhruv Jurel has been fantastic – he got a hundred against the West Indies, two consecutive hundreds now playing for India A against South Africa A – so great, but I want to position him in a place where he can succeed,” Nayar said while speaking on Star Sports.

According to Nayar, Jurel’s ability to contribute as a reliable lower-order batsman and a sharp wicketkeeper could provide India with the ideal balance in challenging conditions.

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Ravindra Jadeja sole spinner in Nayar’s XI

Despite India’s history of playing multiple spinners at home, Nayar surprised many by mentioning his name Ravindra Jadeja as the only spin bowling option. He left Kuldeep Yadav, Akhar PatelAnd Washington Sundarhighlighting Jadeja’s all-round value and recent batting form.

“Ravindra Jadeja at No. 6. For me, No. 7 in these circumstances, I would look for a Dhruv Jurel because he is in that kind of form. I would want him to be part of the line-up. Unfortunately, everyone will say, ‘Damn, a Kuldeep Yadav might have to miss out for me in this line-up,'” he says. Nayar stated.

In a bold move, Nayar opted for Nitish Kumar Reddy as an all-rounder in pace bowling, hinting that India may need an extra seamer option instead of a second spinner at the Eden Gardens.

“In these circumstances, considering how challenging it will be for the batters, I would want that extra security with a batsman and a seamer. So Nitish Reddy comes in and then you have my three seamers in that team. That’s the kind of lineup I would go for,” Nayar added.

Abhishek Nayar’s India XI for the first Test: Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (c), Rishabh Pant (wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Dhruv Jurel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah.

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