India vs South Africa 2018: Ravi Shastri confirms India's opening combination in Tests
What's the story?
With India's tour of South Africa set to get underway in less than three weeks' time, all eyes are on the combination (7-4 or 6-5 and the bowling combination) with which Virat Kohli and co. will take the field. Adding to this, the batsmen who will open the batting for India are still uncertain with all three candidates, Murali Vijay, KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan, looking good in the format of late.
Coach Ravi Shastri confirmed that it will be Vijay and Dhawan who will open the batting for India in the tour because of the left-right combination and also conceded that Rahul will get his chance eventually.
Speaking to CNN-IBN, Shastri said, "You look at experience; you look at variety so that’s what Shikhar brings in, a left-right combination so he is a must. He has got lots of runs. Vijay the most experienced and a very good record overseas and he brings solidity. Young Rahul is immensely talented and he will get his opportunity at some stage. He might have to wait for a while but he will get his opportunity think he was the most improved player in the last 18 months. It’s just unfortunate that he didn’t convert those 60s into 150s but he will learn."
In case you didn't know...
After playing at home for over two years, the Indian team is set for its overseas sojourn starting with the three-match Test series in South Africa from January 5, 2018.
Later that year, the World no. 1 team will tour England followed by tours to Australia and New Zealand. The next 15 months will be very crucial for the Indian team as they look to stamp their authority away from home.
Details
Ever since the start of India's long home season that got underway way back in 2015, there has been a musical chair between these three men for the openers' slot. Vijay has been one of India's best Test batsman over the last five years and is a certainty at the top of the order.
Rahul had a good run in 2017 as he scored seven consecutive fifties. On the other hand, Dhawan was dropped because of his inconsistency before he was handed a lifeline ahead of the tour of Sri Lanka when Vijay pulled out and Rahul fell sick before the first Test. The left-hander scored a brisk 190 and sealed his place in the XI.
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Author's Take
It is good to see the Indian team management plan for the South Africa series much in advance.
Without a doubt, Vijay was always certain to open the batting. His opening partner was always the question and it is unfair on Rahul to get dropped from the XI in spite of having a good year. If Dhawan doesn't perform well in the initial matches, Rahul might get the nod in the later stages.