India is experimenting with its top order. After trying out seven different combinations since September 2017, Rohit Sharma and Mayank Agarwal have been picked as the opening pair for India.

Sharma averages 39.62 in 27 tests and this move is the latest effort by the Indian team management to help him make an impact in the longest format of the game.

Ravi Ashwin returns and Rishabh Pant makes way for Wriddhiman Saha in changes to the India lineup that played in the Caribbean.

In the absence of injured paceman Jasprit Bumrah, Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami will spearhead the Indian pace attack.

South Africa made a surprising choice to go in with three spinners, playing left-arm spinners Keshav Maharaj and Senuran Muthusamy along with offspinner Dane Piedt. This will Muthusamy's test debut.

Theunis de Bryun will take up the all-rounder duties, while Vernon Philander and Kagiso Rabada lead the pace attack in what is a younger Proteas' lineup following retirements of Hashim Amla and Dale Steyn.

The wicket is expected to be good for batting on the first two days with spin coming into play from day three.

Lineups:

Mayank Agarwal, Rohit Sharma, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (captain), Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari, Wriddhiman Saha, Ravindra Jadeja, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami

South Africa: Aiden Markram, Dean Elgar, Theunis de Bruyn, Temba Bavuma, Faf du Plessis (captain), Quinton de Kock, Vernon Philander, Senuran Muthusamy, Keshav Maharaj, Dane Piedt, Kagiso Rabada.