South Africa vs India 2018: 5 India players to watch out for in the Test series

#4 Mohammed Shami

Shami has been India's first choice pacer in Tests in the last couple of years.

Mohammed Shami is probably the leader of this Indian pace attack. He is an automatic choice for India when it comes to picking fast bowlers.

The only problem with Shami has been his constant injuries. However, if he manages to stay fit, the 27-year old Bengal pacer can rattle the South African batsmen. His main strength is that he steams in, hits the deck hard and has the ability to consistently target the stumps. If the wickets turn out to be flat, Shami’s accuracy and pace can make a difference.

He has been in good form. The wickets column might not suggest how well he has bowled. In 5 games he played in 2017, he’s picked up 19 wickets. In the recent series against Sri Lanka at home, he took 9 wickets in two games and bowled with great control as well.

Shami did tour South Africa last time around (in 2013) but didn't have the best of series' as he took only 6 wickets in 4 innings. That was his first tour. But this time around, he is the leader of the pack and is going there with a decent amount of experience.

Hence, along with Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Shami will be vital to India’s success in South Africa.