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

Fast bowlers

Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Bhuvneshwar Kumar is the only bowler in the Indian team who is a regular in the playing XI across all the three formats. Though he did not get enough chances to play Tests last year, Bhuvneshwar has made a strong case for himself for a place in the playing XI with his recent exploits.

Mohammed Shami

Mohammed Shami has been one of India's best Test bowlers as the Bengal pacer consistently threatened the opposition teams with his pace and bounce over the last two years on wickets that hardly suit the pacers. With the wickets in South Africa set to assist the pacers, Shami will have a key role to play in the Indian team.

Ishant Sharma

This will be Ishant Sharma's fourth trip to South Africa and the team management will hope that the senior-most player in the squad will come to the party during this crucial tour. Unlike the previous tours, Ishant looks matured of late and one can expect the lanky pacer to lead the Indian pace attack from the front.