South Africa has long proven to be the final frontier for India since the country's return to international cricket. Despite eight Test tours to South Africa, India's closest brush with victory occurred in 2010-11, concluding with a 1-1 draw.

Two years ago, optimism surrounded India's chances for a Test series win in South Africa. Despite winning the first match, they ultimately lost the next two, missing a golden opportunity.

This time, a condensed two-Test series in Centurion and Cape Town awaits, with the team winning the first test set to gain an unassailable lead. 

As India grapples with the disappointment of the recent ODI World Cup and gears up for the T20 World Cup, the question looms: can they carve out a piece of history in South Africa? However, as past experiences indicate, achieving this feat is easier said than done. 

South African captain Temba Bavuma and his team are determined to maintain their unbeaten home record against India and bid farewell to retiring former captain Dean Elgar on a high note.

The challenge for South Africa lies in swiftly getting into the Test groove, having last played red-ball cricket in March. This series also marks their first assignment in the current World Test Championship cycle. 

India, on the other hand, began their campaign in the West Indies, securing a win in the first Test before rain forced a draw in the second.

Adding another layer of complexity, the threat of rain hangs over Centurion, with a forecast predicting rain on the initial two days of the Test.

Team Updates

In terms of team news, Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi, recovering from a bruised heel and ankle sprain, respectively, are expected to feature in the playing XI for South Africa. Keegan Petersen, the Player of the Series in India's last tour to South Africa, faces competition from uncapped David Bedingham for a spot.

South Africa's probable XI: 

1. Dean Elgar

2. Aiden Markram

3. Tony de Zorzi

4. Temba Bavuma (capt)

5. David Bedingham/Keegan Petersen

6. Kyle Verreynne (wk)

7. Marco Jansen

8. Keshav Maharaj

9. Gerald Coetzee

10. Kagiso Rabada

11. Lungi Ngidi

Considering the looming rain, India is likely to opt for Shardul Thakur over R Ashwin. Between Prasidh Krishna and Mukesh Kumar, Prasidh, a hit-the-deck bowler missed in 2021-22, could be favored.

India's probable XI: 

1. Rohit Sharma (capt)

2. Yashasvi Jaiswal

3. Shubman Gill

4. Virat Kohli

5. KL Rahul (wk)

6. Shreyas Iyer

7. Ravindra Jadeja

8. Shardul Thakur

9. Jasprit Bumrah

10. Prasidh Krishna

11. Mohammed Siraj