Australia vs India 2018-19: India's predicted XI for the first Test at Adelaide Oval

#4 Virat Kohli (c)

Virat Kohli

The Indian skipper would be carrying the responsibility of the entire team on his shoulders, making it all the more important for him to exhibit his prowess in the nerve-wracking conditions.

The 2014-15 Border-Gavaskar series had witnessed the 30-year-old whack four centuries in as many Tests and amass a tally of 692 runs under his belt. Looking at his current run of form in the red-ball arena, a similar result could be expected from him in the forthcoming duels.

#5 Ajinkya Rahane

Ajinkya Rahane

The Mumbaikar has a phenomenal record when playing in overseas conditions. A run tally of 2,131 at an average of 46.33, with 6 centuries and 11 half-centuries, all in a matter of 52 innings, gives a brief description of the prowess he possesses in the longer format of the game.

#6 Rishabh Pant (wk)

Rishabh Pant

The Delhi lad has been raking in a tremendous amount of attention onto himself from the time he made his Test debut during the tour of England. A century in the final game at Kennington Oval, followed by successive 50-plus knocks in the two-match Test series versus Windies, have cemented his position in the playing XI.

Pant's performance in the 1st Test at Adelaide could prove highly beneficial for the Indian side in amassing a big total on the board.

#7 Ravichandran Ashwin

R Ashwin

Ashwin is one of the finest off-spinners to have ever set foot onto the cricketing arena. Based on his records and statistics alone, we can expect some strong performances from him in the forthcoming four-match Test series.

In 14 matches played against the Aussies, the Tamil Nadu cricketer has managed to affect 71 dismissals to his name. And looking at his recent exploits in the longer format of the game, it won't be surprising if he finishes as the leading wicket-taker of the Border-Gavaskar series 2018-19.