South Africa vs India 2018: India's probable playing XI for the first Test 

Openers

One of the conundrums for the Indian team ahead of the South African tour is the form of all the three opening batsmen. Murali Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul, all three of them are in fine form and are fighting for a place in the playing XI.

Murali Vijay

In all likelihood, it is certain that Murali Vijay will be one of the openers for the Indian team as the presence of the right-hander at the top of the order will ensure that there will be someone to see through the new ball and set a platform for the batsmen to follow.

Shikhar Dhawan

KL Rahul scored seven consecutive fifties in 2017 and had a phenomenal year before he was dropped from the playing XI. It looks like the right-hander will have to wait for his chance as India's coach Ravi Shastri confirmed that Shikhar Dhawan, thanks to his recent form, will open the batting along with Vijay. The team will expect the left-hander to get them off to a flying start whenever he comes out to bat.

There were some reports of the southpaw being ruled out of the first Test due to an injury. But, the Delhi batsman was fine and was seen practising at the nets ahead of the game.