South Africa vs India 2018: Who should play and who shouldn't for India in the second Test

Middle-order

Cheteshwar Pujara defends a back-of-a-length delivery

Cheteshwar Pujara

Often compared to Rahul Dravid, Pujara has been rock-solid at number three for the Indian cricket team. A Test specialist, Pujara scored the second most runs in Test cricket in 2017.

The top-order batsman soaked up the pressure early in India's first innings at Cape Town and the team would once again require the patience of the right-handed batsman.

Virat Kohli (c)

Virat Kohli has grown in stature both as a batsman and as a captain in the past two years and is attempting to re-write history by winning Test series in South Africa, England and Australia over the next 18 months.

After a poor first Test, he would be eager to lead from the front in the next Test and get some runs for his team.

Rohit Sharma

'Current form' was the sole reason why Rohit Sharma was preferred over Ajinkya Rahane in the first Test match. The right-handed batsman failed to justify his inclusion in the team though.

Rahane is not in the best of form, but there is little doubt about his technique and caliber. During India's previous overseas tours, he was the lone shining star in the batting line-up. The vice-captain would be hoping to find some form sooner rather than later and do what he did four years ago.

As per the reports from the Indian camp though, Rohit is expected to get the nod.