Aakash Chopra predicts the Indian squad for South Africa Tests; omits Ajinkya Rahane and Ishant Sharma

The former Indian cricketer and expert, Aakash Chopra picked his 15-man squad ahead of the Test series against South Africa. The South Africa tour is going to commence from 26th December, Sunday which compromises 3 Tests and three One-Day matches.

India has dominated New Zealand in the recently concluded T20I series and two-match Test series. The visitors didn't win a single match in their tour and India will be looking to replicate the same performance in the South Africa tour as well.

However, According to Aakash Chopra, India will open the innings with the same duo Rohit and Rahul against the Proteas. Moreover, Aakash Chopra claimed that Cheteshwar Pujara will continue to bat at No.3 for India that followed by Virat Kohli at No.4.

"I have picked Rohit as my opener, without doubt. I have picked Rahul as my opener, without doubt. Rohit and Rahul was straightforward decision, they are doing well. They forged a new partnership in England and did very well. I have kept Pujara in my team and I have picked my XI as well. I will play him at No. 3 in this team.

There is a lot of pressure on him and this tour is very important for him but as of now, Pujara is there. At No. 4, I have got Kohli, there is no doubt in that," Aakash Chopra said while speaking on his official YouTube channel. 

I have not seen the pitch but I feel you can play two spinners: Aakash Chopra

Moreover, the 44-year-old added the former Delhi Capitals captain Shreyas Iyer who will bat at No.5 according to his prediction. Notably, Aakash Chopra removed Ajinkya Rahane considering his recent form with the bat.

Rishabh Pant will handle the wicket-keeping duties and will walk out at No.6 whereas their best all-rounder across all formats of the game, Ravindra Jadeja will take the charge at No.7 for his team.

"Rishabh Pant at six, five batters and a keeper. Pant as a keeper and batter is in my side. I am not changing the captain’s philosophy, he has said that he will play five bowlers and I have made the team according to that. At No. 7, Ravindra Jadeja. Jaddu as a batsman, Jaddu as a bowler, Jaddu as a fielder, Jaddu as a gun player," Aakash Chopra said. 

Coming to the bowling department, Aakash Chopra picked the legendary off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin who will lead the spin attack along with Ravindra Jadeja. Then he included Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami and claimed that "no discussion and debate in that."

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Later, he named Mohammed Siraj as the final player to be included ahead of the first Test against South Africa. "At No. 8, I have got Ashwin. I want to play two spinners, I have not seen the pitch but I feel you can play two spinners because if there are four fast bowlers, one of them is under-bowled.

There is Bumrah and Shami, there is no discussion and debate in that. Everyone will keep them in the team. After that, I have kept Siraj at No. 11. He has leapfrogged everyone, he has become the third pacer," added Chopra.

Here is the Indian squad picked by Aakash Chopra ahead of the Test series against South Africa:

KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (captain), Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant (wicket-keeper), Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Hanuma Vihari, Shardul Thakur, Mayank Agarwal.