IND v SA 2019: Selectors to pick India's squad for South Africa Tests on September 12 

Issues at the top of the order will be a major point of discussion.

Rohit Sharma could be considered as an opener | Getty

The MSK Prasad-led national selection panel will meet on Thursday (September 12) to pick India's squad for the upcoming three-match home Test series against South Africa. 

And it is expected, problems at the top of the order will be the major point of discussions before a final announcement is made. 

With KL Rahul badly struggling for runs these days, and Prithvi Shaw unavailable due to his suspension, the selectors will deliberate whether to bring in a fresh face to join Mayank Agarwal at the task or possibly consider Rohit Sharma as an opener after suggestions of the same from a few former India cricketers of repute. 

Recently, even chairman of selectors MSK Prasad confirmed that Rohit's name will definitely be brought up on the table. 

"As selection committee, we haven't met after the conclusion of the West Indies tour. We will definitely take this (Rohit as opener) point into consideration when we all meet and discuss about it," Prasad told India Today.

"KL is definitely a great talent. Of course, he is going through a bit of a tough time in Test cricket and we are definitely concerned about his form. He needs to spend more time on the wicket and regain his touch and form."

Rohit may already be one of the finest-ever limited-overs batsmen that India has produced but the 32-year-old is yet to cement his place in the Test line-up. 

Names of proven domestic performers like Priyank Panchal, Abhimanyu Easwaran will also be discussed, besides the prodigious Shubhman Gill. 

But one can expect the rest of the batting line-up to be unchanged from West Indies with Hanuma Vihari cementing his place at No.6 via terrific performances and Ajinkya Rahane making a timely return to form in India's 2-0 series win. 

Most of the bowling unit is also likely to be retained as India gained crucial 120 points towards standings in the inaugural World Test Championship in the Caribbean. 

The three-match Test series against the Proteas will begin on October 2 in Visakhapatnam before games at Pune and Ranchi. 

(Inputs from Reuters)

 
 

By Kashish Chadha - 11 Sep, 2019

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