5 Indian players who may lose their places in the Test side

3. Ishant Sharma

Ishant Sharma

As with Zaheer, Ishant was fantastic in the first innings at Jo’burg, but faded away rapidly after that. This series followed the line of pretty much how Ishant’s career has gone so far. Beginning with promise, but flattering to deceive after that. In Durban, when Ravindra Jadeja was keeping one end tight, Ishant was guilty of not applying enough pressure at the other end, and not bowling enough wicket-taking deliveries.

4. Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma

Although this was Rohit’s first Test tour abroad, he has been to South Africa before, and his failure to adjust to conditions has been baffling. Far too often, Rohit has pushed and prodded uncertainly, and has paid the price for that. Rohit was guilty of making the mistakes he has made throughout his career, not playing with any conviction, and that reflected in the number of runs that he eventually got. With Ambati Rayudu in the squad already, and guys like B. Aparajith, Sanju Samson, etc. staking a claim through strong Ranji Trophy performances, Rohit better pull his socks up.

5. Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin

Ashwin’s poor overseas run continued with another average showing with the ball at Jo’burg. Although he managed to keep the scoring down, he managed no contribution to the wickets, and that was a huge hindrance for India in pushing for a victory in the first Test match. As brilliant as he has been on home conditions, Ashwin must fund a way to perform overseas. If he does, then that coupled with his batting is an asset for India.