Virat Kohli explains why Umesh Yadav is Playing ahead of Ishant Sharma

The Third and the deciding Test match between India and South Africa has begun at the Newlands Stadium in Cape Town. Virat Kohli has made his comeback, while Umesh Yadav has been in brought in for injured Mohammed Siraj.

The India and South Africa series is currently on level field with 1 win each for India and South Africa, and the winner of the Third Test will also win the series.

The Indian cricket team lost the previous match. KL Rahul was captain of the team for the match, in absence of regular captain Virat Kohli, who had to sit out the match due to some back issues.

But the batting maestro is back for the third Test and also takes over the reigns of the team. He replaced Hanuma Vihari into the team, while Umesh Yadav came in for injured pacer Mohammed Siraj.

Following which, many fans raised questions as to why Ishant Sharma was not preferred. Captain Virat Kohli himself has confirmed as to why they went ahead of Umesh Yadav.

Kohli stated during the toss that the main reason behind picking Umesh Yadav is because he has been a very potent bowler as a seam bowler and can also contribute with the bat.

However, Kohli also said that it was a tough decision overall to decide among Ishant Sharma and Umesh Yadav.

India vs South Africa 3rd Test

Talking about the match, the Indian team is currently batting first after winning the toss. However, it wasn't the best start for India, having lost 2 wickets early on for 33 runs in 13 overs. However, Cheteshwar Pujara and skipper Virat Kohli has steadied the ship.

As of writing this, the 2nd session of play is on and India has scored 81 runs for the loss of 2 wickets. Pujara has scored 31 runs, while Virat Kohli is playing a preservative knock, having only 16 runs from 71 balls.