The Indian Test team are currently in action against West Indies in a two-match series on home soil, with the hosts leading 1-0.
India comprehensively beat the Windies by an innings in the first Test in Ahmedabad and the action now shifts to Delhi Arun Jaitley Stadium, where the second Test is scheduled to start on Friday, October 10.
India are favourites to clinch the series 2-0 in Delhi and complete a whitewash. This will also be India's Test series win in over a year, as their last victory came over Bangladesh at home in September 2024.
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Shubman Gill and Co.'s next red-ball assignment will be against the current holders of the World Test Championship, South Africa, as the Proteas are all set to tour India for a two-match series, starting November 14.
With more than a month left before the start of the big-ticket clash, legendary Indian spinner R Ashwin made some preditions about the Indian squad, while also claiming India might rest Jasprit Bumrah for that series, as the ace pacer will also be part of India's white-ball team for their tour of Australia later this month.
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R Ashwin predicts Jasprit Bumrah to be rested against South Africa
Speaking on his YouTube channel programme 'Ash Ki Baat', Ashwin said: "Axar Patel will play. When South Africa comes, I think there will be a slightly stiffer test. They are WTC champions. They are the holding champions.
"I think they will pose much higher competition. Still, there are not many spin options with South Africa. In India, if you want to win, you need batting that can play long, and you need spin bowling to stay tight as well. South Africa looks a little short on spin resources."
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On India's team combination for the South Africa series, Ashwin added: "We don’t know how they will bat either. But India is spoiled for choices. There are a lot of all-rounders. If you play Washi, Axar, and Jadeja, you will play Kuldeep as well. Batting will go up to number 10. I think Bumrah will get a rest against South Africa."
The first Test between India and South Africa will be played at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata, starting November 14, while the second will start on November 22 in Guwahati.
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