India has confirmed its playing XI for the first Test of the home series against South Africa, slated to begin on Wednesday (October 2) in Visakhapatnam. 

Rohit Sharma is set to open the batting for the first time in Tests and kickstart the innings along with Mayank Aggarwal. 

The middle-order retains its longstanding strength with veterans Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane positioned either side skipper Virat Kohli. 

Batting at No.6, Hanuma Vihari will be hoping to continue the excellent form he showed against West Indies last month. 

The selectors and the team management have, however, pulled off one major surprise by dropping young Rishabh Pant and paving way for experienced Wriddhiman Saha's comeback following a long injury layoff.

The 34-year-old Saha hasn't played for India since the Cape Town Test last year and will be glad to add to his tally of 32 Test caps after 20 months.

Meanwhile, as already confirmed by captain Kohli, the team also sees the comeback of Ravichandran Ashwin after being dropped in the Caribbean. Ashwin will partner Ravindra Jadeja at the spin bowling duties.  

Ishant Sharma, Mohammad Shami are the two pacers in the line-up. 

Jasprit Bumrah was ruled out with injury after being picked in the original squad from which Kuldeep Yadav, Umesh Yadav, Shuman Gill, besides Pant, have also been benched for this Test.