Ahead of the first Test match against South Africa, Team India skipper Shubman Gill said that the playing XI for the series opener will be decided considering the pitch conditions on the game day.
“It`s always this time of the year, there is always a conflict if you want to go for an extra seamer or spinner. That`s why we will see the condition tomorrow and decide on the XI,” he said.
He also said that more likely spinners will be preferred ahead of the pace bowlers as they play a crucial role in deciding the game.
“It`s more or less finalised. The wicket looks different from yesterday. We will see it tomorrow morning and then will finalise the spin combination, as spinners, more or less, will decide the game,” added the skipper.
Further speaking, the skipper heaped praise on Axar Patel, Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja by saying they have good records in India.
“It`s more or less finalised. The wicket looks different from yesterday. We will see it tomorrow morning and then will finalise the spin combination, as spinners, more or less, will decide the game,” said Gill during the pre-match press conference.
The first Test match between Team India and South Africa is scheduled to be played at the Eden Gardens from November 14.
When asked about the omission of Mohammed Shami for South Africa`s Test series, Gill didn`t express his opinion and simply said that selectors will be able to give better answers.
“Not many bowlers are of his quality. But the ones playing have done a terrific job. Sometimes it`s difficult for players like Shami bhai to miss out. The selectors will be able to give you a better answer to that,” said the 26-year-old cricketer.
IND vs SA Tests: Full Squads
India: Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant (WK) (VC), Dhruv Jurel, Ravindra Jadeja, Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep.
South Africa: Temba Bavuma (C), Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Senuran Muthusamy, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Ryan Rickelton (WK), Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (WK).
(With PTI Inputs)