India vs South Africa 2019: 3 opening pairs India could try in the Test series

#2 Mayank Agarwal & Hanuma Vihari

Mayank Agarwal and Hanuma Vihari.

Hanuma Vihari is another right-handed batsman who has earned his selection to the national team thanks to consistent performances over the years. His average of close to 60 in the domestic cricket for Andhra Pradesh speaks volumes of his skill & temperament. He made his debut in England in September 2018 & has played six Tests so far. He averages 45.60 and also scored his maiden ton in the last series against West Indies.

Vihari has been tested already at the opening position during the Australia tour in 2018 at Melbourne. His temperament & technique was on display during the Test series against Windies recently. Vihari's calm head & sensible shot selection might become great assets as an opener for Team India. Although a middle-order batting all-rounder, Vihari may go on to emulate Ravi Shastri who got success at the top order under the captaincy of Sunil Gavaskar.

Mayank, on the other hand, can play with aggression and Vihari bides his time to play long innings. This way Team India can benefit from the two great talents produced by the Indian domestic circuit.

#3 Rohit Sharma & Hanuma Vihari

Rohit Sharma and Hanuma Vihari

Mayank & Vihari may be young and dynamic players looking at the future of Team India but Rohit Sharma brings a lot of experience at the top order. The inability of Rohit to counter the moving new ball is a highly debated topic amongst the fans.

The skill & hitting ability of Rohit in white-ball cricket is remarkable. He has certainly improved as a batsman after his promotion to the top order in ODI cricket. But can the promotion to the top order in Tests work the same magic for Rohit is the big question.

Opening with Vihari looks to be the long term plan for Team management. If Rohit can improve & show the right temperament for Test cricket, it definitely augurs well for Team India in the long run. But can he do it? We have to wait and watch.