SOUTH AFRICA VS INDIA 2021-22: 6 PLAYER BATTLES TO WATCH OUT FOR

Rahul will bank on that show and aim to be watchful. He will be duly tested by Kagiso Rabada, who is South Africa's leading candidate...

- RENIN WILBEN

The Indian cricket team has started its training sessions after arriving in South Africa for a three-match Test series. The first Test will be held on Boxing Day (December 26) as India aim to get off to a strong start and gain impetus in a nation where they haven't enjoyed much success. The Virat Kohli-led side is without Rohit Sharma, who was recently ruled out due to an injury. Shubman Gill, Axar Patel, and Ravindra Jadeja are also out, as they are undergoing respective injuries. The Proteas will want to excel at home and test India's resolve, who have done well in their last two tours of Australia and England, respectively. South Africa have named a 21-man squad, and there are plenty of new faces around. Ahead of an intense contest between bat and ball, we look at the top six player battles that can impact the series.

KL RAHUL VS KAGISO RABADA