Cricket News

Gautam Gambhir picks this India star over Ravichandran Ashwin for Boxing Day Test vs South Africa

After a captivating ODI and T20I series, India’s sights are set on the ultimate prize: conquering South Africa in their own den in the traditional format of the game. The two-match Test series kicks off tomorrow, Boxing Day, at the iconic SuperSport Park in Centurion. While every Test holds significance, this one carries extra weight for India – a historic win would mark their first-ever Test series victory on South African soil.

South Africa looms like a cricketing Everest, dubbed the “final frontier” by media buzzing with anticipation. Twice before, in 2018 and 2022, India came close to winning in the Rainbow Nation, only to be pushed back by a cruel twist of fate. Now, under Rohit Sharma‘s steady hand, they return, scars of near misses etched into their memory. It remains to be seen if India can finally plant the flag of victory on South African soil.

The answer awaits, poised to unfold on the bouncy pitches of Centurion and Cape Town. Every ball, every session, carries the weight of years of longing and the promise of a new dawn. This is India’s final frontier, and the world watches with bated breath as they take another shot to end what has been a long wait.

The Ashwin vs Thakur Debate

With the first Test match with South Africa approaching, the usual buzz surrounds their ideal playing XI, particularly two crucial positions. The big question revolves around Ravichandran Ashwin‘s inclusion. In recent overseas ventures, India has favoured a four-seamer attack with just one spinner, and Centurion is likely to follow suit.

While speaking to Star Sports, former Indian batter, Gautam Gambhir picked his playing XI for the first game. Unfortunately for Ashwin, he doesn’t find a place in the southpaw’s side as Gambhir has opted to pick Shardul Thakur instead. This is largely due to the history associated with the pitch and also the weather conditions which have not been great over the last few days.

The final position which is up for grabs is that of a pacer. One of Mukesh Kumar and Prasidh Krishna will take that spot. While Kumar has played a couple of games, Krishna is in line for a debut. The indications are that Krishna, owing to his ability to hit the pitch hard, will make it to the final XI.