South Africa vs India 2018: Parthiv Patel might retain his place in the side

What’s the story?

Ahead of the third Test match, the Indian team took part in an intensive training session and the batsmen looked to press the reset button during the drills.

If the batting order is anything to go by, the Indian management might stick with Parthiv Patel as the wicket-keeper batsman ahead of Dinesh Karthik who was flown in as a cover for the injured Wriddhiman Saha.

The Details

Parthiv had a mediocre match in Centurion as he missed quite a few chances behind the stumps. Also, he did not look comfortable at all as he did not go for a nick late on Day 3 which could have pushed the match in India's favour.

Also, although he played his strokes, he never looked in form in Centurion and this could have prompted the selectors to look in favour of Karthik, but apparently Parthiv will be given another go in Wanderers.

In case you didn’t know…

Karthik has played just one first-class match for Tamil Nadu in the previous season and despite his form in the white ball tournament, the selectors might not want to chance him in Johannesburg.

What’s next?

After having conceded the three-match series, the Indian team will enter Johannesburg under intense pressure as they look to avoid a whitewash.

The third Test begins on Wednesday, January 24 and if pictures coming out from the venue is to be believed, the pitch appears to be a green strip which will put a lot of pressure on the wicket-keepers.

Author’s take

The Indian management has come under a lot of fire for the teams they have picked over the last two Tests and they will be under pressure once again as they will have to pick between Parthiv and Karthik.

While both of them are capable with the bat, it is their ability to keep wickets which might bolster their respective cases for selection and here lies the test for the management!