SA vs IND: Best XI of the Test series

The three-match Test series between India and South Africa was one of the most exciting series in recent times. While India went in with the hope to clinch the unconquered land of South Africa, the hosts looked to maintain their fine record at home. The series ended as a spectacle for the fans with controversies, match-winning knocks, and comebacks being witnessed throughout.

India won the Boxing Test with their historic win at Centurion – going one up in the series, but the Proteas fought back with the heroics of captain Dean Elgar, chasing down 240 in the fourth innings to level the series. The decider did not pan out the way the Indian Test captain Virat Kohli would have liked, as he would have been the first captain to win a test series in South Africa.

Youngster Keegan Petersen anchored the chase handing South Africa a 7-wicket win to seal the series 2-1. The series witnessed a lot of records being made and broken as well as numerous match-winning innings.

Let’s look at the best-combined XI of the recently concluded India vs South Africa Test series:

1. Dean Elgar (C)

Leading the Proteas into a much-awaited Test clash against the World Test No.1 Team, the South African captain Dean Elgar did little wrong in this series. With sheer intent and resilience, the captain deserves a lot of credit for the team’s comeback.

Having only played six Tests in 2021 before this series, it wouldn’t have been the easiest bowling attack to face for the southpaw. From taking blows off the Indian pacers, to producing a blow as the architect of the great victory at Johannesburg with his fine 96*, the captain stood for long hours defending his wicket and building up partnerships, often unsettling the Indian team.

Elgar ended the series with 235 runs at an average of 47.00 helping the team remain unbeaten at home in a series against India in Test cricket. With two half-centuries to his name and 578 balls faced- the maximum by any player in the series, made the addition of his name to this list, a no brainer. He will lead the combined XI of the recently concluded series.