Mohali, Nov 4: India will seek redemption in the Test format by trying to spin a web around the formidable South Africans in the four-match series starting here on Thursday.
India failed to make use of the home advantage in the limited-overs games while the South Africans displayed remarkable adaptability to emerge the better of the two teams so far.
In tomorrow’s match, Virat Kohli’s men would take the field without pace spearhead Ishant Sharma.
Therefore, India will be relying heavily on their spin brigade to out-manoeuvre the potent opposition batting, which has been sublime to say the least.
With Ravindra Jadeja back in the mix of things, Kohli will be looking to go with three spinners at the PCA track, hoping to pose a threat to the visitors.
Off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, who missed the last four ODIs with a side strain he suffered in the opening game in Kanpur, seems to be fit and raring to go.
Team Director Ravi Shastri though has asserted that even Amit Mishra and Jadeja, who has been in stellar form in the current Ranji season, will be crucial to the home side’s fortunes.
On the batting front, India will be spoilt for choices on with Shikhar Dhawan, Murali Vijay, Cheteshwar Pujara and Rohit Sharma fighting it out for the top-order slots.
