India vs South Africa 2019: 5 players who can produce series-defining performances in Tests

India will go into their Test series against the Proteas as favourites.

#2. Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin could be India's star turn with the ball.

No longer in the reckoning for the shorter formats, veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has been away from the limelight for a while. A Test series at home, however, makes Ashwin a must-mention when it comes to the list of potential match-winners.

With 234 wickets in 38 Tests at an average under 23 and as many as 20 five-wicket hauls, Ashwin has been the go-to man for India in home Tests. Facing Ashwin on the spinning tracks of India will be among South Africa’s greatest challenges in the Test series.

Ashwin had a sensational series against South Africa back in 2015, when he claimed 31 wickets in four Tests while averaging 11.12 with four five-wicket hauls and a best of 7/66. The performance was all the more credible, coming against a strong Proteas outfit comprising de Villiers and Amla.

Ashwin will be keen to repeat his heroics. Can South Africa’s relatively new batting guard keep him at bay?