India vs South Africa Test Squad Analysis: Bumrah, Parthiv Patel called up!

Jasprit Bumrah finally has received his maiden-call for Test Cricket, while Parthiv Patel has been selected as a back-up wicket keeper for the three-match test series starting from 5 January in Cape Town. The MSK Prasad led selection committee has gone with a total of 17 players including 7 batsman and 2 wicket-keepers, and one proper all-round option of Hardik Pandya.

The right arm pacer - Bumrah comes into the side on behalf on exceptional performances in limited overs cricket. He has impressed in the longer version of the game as well, having picked 89 wickets in 24 first class games.

"If you see Bumrah's performance in the last 18 months, it's been wonderful. He's been sensational, bowling outstandingly well in both one-dayers and T20s. Considering his performance in Ranji Trophy last season, he bowled brilliantly that whole season. It's a unanimous choice, there were no doubts in picking Bumrah because he definitely adds variety to our pace attack. And considering the nature of wickets there (in South Africa), it will definitely suit his bowling," chairman of the selection committee, MSK Prasad said at a press conference in New Delhi.

Parthiv Patel returns to the squad as well, after playing the three tests against England, taking over the duties in the absence of Wriddhiman Saha, and did well with the bat, registering scores of 42, 67*, 15 and 71 in the three tests.

"When you go to South Africa, you need two wicketkeepers. We cannot take a chance. When we gave him (Parthiv Patel) a chance against England, he performed beyond our expectations. Even if you see his domestic performances, he has been equally good. He is the second best option we have right now. So there's no two way about it." Prasad said.

Hardik Pandya also returns to the squad. Having being rested for the ongoing series against Sri Lanka, he underwent strength and conditioning training at the NCA in Bangalore.

Expecting pace-friendly conditions in South Africa, India have gone with only 2 spinners - Ravichandran Ashwin & Ravindra Jadeja, leaving out the left arm chinaman Kuldeep Yadav. All-rounder Vijay Shankar who also was a part of the second and third tests against Sri Lanka, has been excluded.

"I really feel unfortunate for Kuldeep Yadav. But considering we're only going to play three Test, considering Kuldeep ahead of No. 1 and No. 2 spinners in the world is a bit of a big ask. Otherwise, Kuldeep is definitely a top-class bowler and over a period of time we'll see him growing," said Prasad.

"The players have selected themselves. Everybody is in very good form. I think this is the best balanced (Indian) side that has ever gone to South Africa. I'm sure they will really do well," Prasad summed it up.

India currently are ranked number 1 in the ICC Test Rankings, 14 points ahead of South Africa, who are ranked as number 2. India haven't lost a test series since the one played against Australia in 2014/15. However, India have played outside the subcontinent just once since the Australia series against the Windies, defeating them by 2-0. This will be Virat Kohli's first big challenge as the Indian Test captain.

India's tour of South Africa kicks off with a two day warm up match on December 30, followed by the first test in Cape Town on January 5, with the second and third test to be played in Centurion and Johannesburg respectively. The test series will be followed by 6 ODIs and 3 T20Is.

Cheers,
Sparsh