Wisden writers on the changes India should make for the series decider in Cape Town

There’s all to play for between India and South Africa, with one match to go and the series tied at 1-1. With Mohammed Siraj effectively ruled out of the third game, one change is automatic, and with skipper Virat Kohli all set to make a comeback, the batting setup is up for a change too. Four Wisden writers look at the changes that India could make.

Aadya Sharma, Wisden India editor

In: Virat Kohli, Ishant Sharma
Out: Hanuma Vihari, Mohammed Siraj

The discussion is really about two slots. Kohli declared himself fit and ready, and one would hope that the little break helps him get back to his old ways with the bat. Pujara and Rahane’s largely underwhelming batting patches continue to stretch on, but it’s unlikely either of them will be pushed out, given how Kohli backed them in the pre-match presser.

Vihari is most likely on his way out after what was his first Test in a year, and one wishes he can return to grab one of the middle-order spots in the future, for he’s done little wrong. On the bowling front, I’d want Ashwin to stay (despite his limited role) for the overall balance. Siraj’s absence gives India a choice between Ishant and Umesh, and I’d be tempted to have the former in the XI, even though the latter has evolved from his days of unpredictability. With more height and control, and an added reliance on swing of late (which could be beneficial in Cape Town), Ishant just edges Umesh, for me.

XI: KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant, R Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah

Rohit Sankar, Wisden India staff writer

In: Virat Kohli, Ishant Sharma
Out: Mohammed Siraj, Ajinkya Rahane

With Siraj missing out, I’d be inclined to back Ishant Sharma as the seamer in his place with the rest of the bowling attack remaining similar. While there’s the temptation to add Kohli as the extra batter in place of say Ashwin, the conditions in Newlands could demand an additional bowler.

In the domestic first-class competition, Newlands has thrown up pretty good batting surfaces in the recent past. With a new curator in place and the surface unlikely to be tinkered with too much, Kohli might have to replace one of the batters. Despite Rahane’s showing in Johannesburg, it’d be really harsh to drop Hanuma Vihari. But I wouldn’t want a straightforward swap. India needs to beef up the lower middle-order too and I feel Pujara at No.3 adds too much pressure on an out-of-form Kohli. As such, I’d be tempted to throw Vihari in at No.3 (he’s very familiar with the position) with Pujara going down to No.5. It would reduce the onus on Kohli to do all the scoring with Vihari aiding him there, and it’d also serve well for Pant and Pujara to have someone with a completely different approach at the other end.

XI: KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Hanuma Vihari, Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, Rishabh Pant, R Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah

Sarah Waris, Wisden India staff writer

In: Virat Kohli, Ishant Sharma
Out: Mohammed Siraj, R Ashwin

Despite Umesh Yadav’s presence, it’s tough to look past Ishant with his experience to play the series decider at Cape Town. The bigger debate is whether India should strengthen their batting, considering it was a major reason for the loss in the last match.

R Ashwin’s role in the series as a bowler has been limited, and Hanuma Vihari can be backed to do a similar role with the ball. I’d bring in Kohli for Ashwin, which leaves India with specialist batters till six, followed by Rishabh Pant at seven and Shardul Thakur at eight.

XI: KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Rishabh Pant, Shardul Thakur, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah

Shubham Pandey, Wisden India social media manager

In: Virat Kohli, Ishant Sharma
Out: Cheteshwar Pujara, Mohammed Siraj

The injured Mohammed Siraj makes way for Ishant Sharma. The lanky pacer is an experienced campaigner and, though he might not have been in his best form of late, his skills and experience can be useful for India in the series decider. For me, the captain returns in place of Cheteshwar Pujara, for two reasons:

Firstly, Pujara’s ultra-defensive approach at times affects the batters at the other end, and it affects the team as well. He has shown that he can be aggressive on occasions, but his inability to do so consistently often sees the match slip away. Secondly, his recent form does not help: in the ongoing World Test Championship, he averages just over 26, which is pretty poor for a number three batter. In his place, I would like to see Vihari batting at the same No.3 position.

XI: KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Hanuma Vihari, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant, R Ashwin, Shardul Thakur, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Jasprit Bumrah