Three Indian Batsmen to watch out for in South Africa vs India Test series

After a successful home series against New Zealand, India will lock horns with South Africa in a three-match Test series, starting from 26^th December (Boxing Day Test). India led by Virat Kohli, will be determined to win their maiden Test series in South Africa.

There is no doubt that South Africa have a superior head-to-head record against India in South African conditions. Since 2013, South Africa have won three matches out of five played against India.

The three-match Test series is expected be an mouthwatering battle between South Africa and India. Here we take a look at the three Indian batsmen to watch out for South Africa vs India Test Series.

Virat Kohli

First up in the list is the premier batsman for India in the five-day format- Virat Kohli. The Indian Captain has been struggling to deliver big scores in Test cricket this year.

Since Jan 2021, Virat Kohli has not been able to produce big hundreds for India. In 10 Test matches, Kohli has scored 483 runs at an average of 28.41 with four half-centuries to his name.

However, Virat Kohli will take heart from the fact that in India’s previous tour to South Africa in 2018, he showcased excellent form with the bat and accumulated 286 runs at an average of 47.66 with the help of one century and one half-century

With South Africa  being named as final frontier for India’s dominant Test side, Virat Kohli will be determined to break his run drought in this three-match series.

Ajinkya Rahane

The next in the list is India’s vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane, who has been an experienced player in the bating department for the side in Test cricket. The 33-year old has represented his country in 79 Tests, where he has scored 4,795 runs at an average of 39.30 with the help of 12 centuries and 24 half-centuries.

In the Test matches played in South Africa, Rahane has a decent record for India and will be looking to end his lean phase in this three-match series. In three Tests, Rahane has accumulated 266 runs at an average of 53.20 with two half-centuries to his name.

The onus will be on Ajinkya Rahane to consistently produce notable scores for India in this three match Test series.

Rishabh Pant

Third in the list features Rishabh Pant, who has been star of the show with the bat for India so far this year.

The 24-year-old was sensational with the bat in the home series against England played earlier this year. He also showed decent form in the home series against New Zealand.

Pant will be looking to make an impact with the bat for India on his first trip to South Africa. In 25 Tests played for India, Rishabh Pant has scored 1,549 runs at an average of 39.71 which includes three centuries and seven half-centuries to his name.

With wicket-keeper batsman in splendid form, the team management will be hoping that he can his merry ways with the bat.

It will be interesting to see how Indian batsmen fare this time around in South Africa in the three-match Test series.