Despite Centurion's setback, Rohit Sharma aims to become the second Indian captain, after MS Dhoni, to avoid a Test series defeat in South Africa.
Results of the 2nd IND vs SA test LIVE: After a disappointing defeat in the first Test, India are all set to redeem themselves when they take on South Africa on January 3 in the second and final Test at the Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town. SuperSport Park in Centurion saw India lose by an innings and 32 runs, leaving them trailing in the series. The next match in Cape Town will be an opportunity for Rohit Sharma and his men to bounce back and equalize.
South Africa, led by Dean Elgar, put up an impressive performance in the first Test, dealing a major blow to India's aspirations of securing a Test series victory in South Africa. India, who dominated the Tests, had a disappointing performance with bat and ball, conceding 245 and 131 runs respectively, while South Africa scored a staggering 408 runs, led by a phenomenal 185 points from Dean Elgar.
Despite the setback, Rohit Sharma aims to become the second Indian captain, after MS Dhoni, to avoid a Test series defeat in South Africa. Historically, since 1992, India has faced South Africa in eight Test series, winning seven and drawing one. The team wanted to improve its results and correct the shortcomings observed during the first test.
Rohit Sharma, who struggled in the first Test, scoring just 128 runs in 10 innings at an average of 12.80, will look to improve his record in South Africa. With the support of a talented batting and bowling team, India are looking to turn things around in Cape Town.
IND vs SA 2nd Test: Team News
India make strategic changes in response to the results of the first test. Pacer Avesh Khan, who impressed in the away match against South Africa A by taking five wickets, has been included in the squad for the second Test. Ravindra Jadeja, who is not fit for the first Test, could return to the starting XI, possibly replacing Ravichandran Ashwin or Shardul Thakur.
Debutant Centurion fast bowler Prasidh Krishna could retain his place, with Mukesh Kumar as a potential alternative. India are considering the best combination to play against South Africa in the crucial second Test.
For the hosts, Dean Elgar leads the team in their farewell Test match, replacing injured captain Temba Bavuma. Zubayr Hamzah can replace the injured Bavuma in the starting XI. Fast bowling all-rounder Gerald Coetzee could pave the way for spin-bowling all-rounder Keshav Maharaj to join the playing eleven.
India vs South Africa XI Prediction
India:
Rohit Sharma (Centre), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Mohammed Siraj, Jasprit Bumrah, Mukesh Kumar.
South Africa:
Dean Elgar (center), Zubayr Hamza, Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Keegan Pietersen, David Bedingham, Kyle Verryenne (WK), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Nandre Burger.
The second Test in Cape Town holds great significance for the teams and cricket fans who are looking forward to a tough clash at the magnificent Newlands Cricket Ground. Will India bounce back or will South Africa maintain their dominance? The answer will be revealed in the exciting battle that awaits them.
