South Africa tour of India - Player by Player comparison at each position

The long wait is over and South Africa has finally arrived on Indian soil – and in style. The Protea heavyweights dealt a hard blow to the Indian team in the T20 series, taking it 2-0 with the final match washed out in Kolkata. The South Africans dominated most of the first match and all of the second as they crushed a hapless Indian team without a sweat. If they made India’s bowling look weak in the first T20, it was the turn of the batsmen to be steamrollered in the second T20 as India failed comprehensively with the bat and fell to their lowest total against South Africa in T20 internationals.With the ODI series scheduled to start in just a few hours, the Indian team will look to overcome to their counterparts in all departments of the game as South Africa aim to assert their dominance in the 50-over version as well. As both teams wait for the high-octane clash, experts have already identified key players for each side and how well they are expected to perform in the first match.We go a step further and analyze the numbers of each player who is likely to make the team tomorrow, and see how well they have fared in recent times. The batting numbers for each player are for that respective position in the team:

#1 Rohit Sharma and Quinton De Kock

Rohit and De Kock will open the innings

Player	Matches	Runs	Average	100/50s	Best
Rohit Sharma	45	1854	45.21	4/12	209
Quinton De Kock	21	697	34.85	2/3	112

Opening the batting for the two teams are Rohit Sharma and Quinton De Kock. Rohit has shaped up to be one of India’s best players in recent years, with two centuries in Australia this year along with a string of impressive performances at home. Rohit has gone from being a wasted talent in the middle order to one of the most destructive batsmen in the world in the space of a couple of years, which speaks volumes about his skill. De Kock on the other hand came into the spotlight with three consecutive centuries against India, and then racked up fifties against Sri Lanka, New Zealand and then a century against Australia. His aggressive strokeplay made him the perfect partner for the sedate Hashim Amla.

In terms of recent form, Rohit has scored 560 runs in 12 ODIs this year, at an average of 50.90. Though he has scored two hundreds and three fifties, he has also been dismissed for two ducks. Rohit’s form has been evident in the T20 series as he scored a terrific century in the first game. De Kock on the other hand has not had a good year, scoring only 193 runs in his 12 ODIs with just one fifty plus score. With a strong start being the backbone of an innings, the onus will be on both batsmen – De Kock in particular – to kick-start the innings in style.

#2 Shikhar Dhawan and Hashim Amla

Their opening partners will be Dhawan and Amla

Player	Matches	Runs	Average	100/50s	Best
Shikhar Dhawan	59	2635	47.05	8/14	137
Hashim Amla	47	2162	50.27	8/7	150

The second opener for both sides will be Shikhar Dhawan and Hashim Amla. Dhawan who made a forgettable debut for India in 2010 was nearly forgotten till 2013, where he made an excellent comeback to the team. He scored consecutive centuries in the 2013 Champions Trophy en route to India’s victory in the series, and then made two fifties and a century in the home series against Australia to cement his place in the side. In home games especially, Dhawan has scored 7 scores of fifty or more in 11 victories.

On the other hand, Hashim Amla deserves praise as being one of the best players in the world right now. His average of 50.27 notwithstanding, he also has an amazing fifty-to-hundred conversion rate which few players can boast. He has centuries against every single Test-playing nation, and he will be the key for South Africa at the top of the order.

In 2015, Dhawan has scored 619 runs in 15 ODIs with two centuries and three half-centuries. He is yet to play in India this year, but was the only sparkle in the Indian batting department in the disastrous tour to Bangladesh. Dhawan has an excellent record at home, and he will look to make full use of familiar conditions. Amla has been as proficient as always this year, scoring 973 runs in 18 matches at an average of 60.81. It goes without saying that he will be the key for South Africa at the top of the order.

#3 Virat Kohli and Faf Du Plessis

Kohli and Du Plessis will be crucial for their sides

Player	Matches	Runs	Average	100/50s	Best
Virat Kohli	104	4520	50.22	15/23	183
Faf Du Plessis	35	1549	48.40	4/10	126

Supporting the openers at the crucial No.3 spot are Virat Kohli and Faf Du Plessis. Kohli has made the number 3 position his own over the last few years, shattering records at will. He has the highest scorer for India since 2010 and has an amazing record while chasing. Kohli also has a good number of fifty-plus scores, and it is worth noting that India has never lost a match at home when Kohli has scored a century. His counterpart is the steadily improving Faf Du Plessis who has silently made critics sit up and take note of his worth to the team. Though he started quietly, he has proven himself to be a quality player, scoring seven fifties in ten ODIs late last year. Batting between modern-day legends like Amla and De Villiers, Du Plessis is also an integral part of the team.

In 2015, Kohli has not been at his best, scoring only 378 runs in 15 ODIs, a far cry from his usual form. He has scored only a solitary century this year, but showed a return to form in the T20 series. Du Plessis himself has only fared slightly better, with 561 runs in 15 ODIs, but has five fifties to his name. Though Du Plessis may not strike the ball at a fast rate, he has proven himself to be a dependable batsman to have. The No.3 spot is extremely important towards a team’s performance in an ODI, and both Kohli and Du Plessis may just hold the key to their team’s victory.

#4 MS Dhoni and AB De Villiers

But the biggest battle will be at No.4 – Dhoni vs. ABD

Player	Matches	Runs	Average	100/50s	Best
MS Dhoni	20	1026	68.40	1/10	109*
AB De Villiers	100	4572	52.55	11/27	136*

It is a clash of the captains at No.4 as MS Dhoni will face AB De Villiers. Dhoni’s announcement of moving up the order has shocked many, and the whole country waits with bated breath to see how their captain will perform. Statistically, Dhoni has the highest average at No.4 for any player in ODIs (minimum 1000 runs) and also has 11 scores of fifty or more in 20 matches. Dhoni’s excellent numbers at the number 4 position will play on South Africa’s mind as they will look to get the Indian captain early.

On the other hand is AB De Villiers, arguably the best player in the world. His numbers at No.4 are out of the world, as he has more than 4000 runs in 100 games at an average of more than 50. His fifty-to-hundred conversion rate is slightly low, but that takes nothing away from how destructive he can be. De Villiers always looks to play the long innings, but his biggest strength is how he can adapt to the situation. He can also come in at the 35th over and completely change the game on his head.

In 2015, Dhoni has scored 428 runs in 15 games, and has not scored a century yet. But his three fifties have come in useful times, when the team had their backs to the wall. He last played at No.4 in the third ODI against Bangladesh and scored 69, which will boost his confidence. De Villiers has played like a dream this year, amassing 835 runs in 15 games, with two centuries and five fifties. His strike rate of 139.39 shows how dangerous he really is. After all is said and done, it may well be the two captains who make the difference in the ODI series.

#5 Suresh Raina and JP Duminy

Raina and Duminy will play out of their comfort zone

Player	Matches	Runs	Average	100/50s	Best
Suresh Raina	78	2337	35.95	3/14	110*
JP Duminy	63	1905	39.68	0/12	99

The players who will be critical in the middle overs for both teams are Suresh Raina and JP Duminy at No.5. A quick look at both numbers reveals that both players are playing out of their comfort zone. Both Duminy and Raina have much higher averages at No.4, but they have been shunted to No.5 for the benefit of the team. While Raina has adapted to his role, scoring three centuries in ODIs, Duminy is yet to reach the three figure mark at No.5. But both players have strike rates of over 80, which show how crucial they are to the team during the slog overs.

Raina has scored 449 runs in 15 games in 2015, and has also picked up 4 wickets. Raina’s economic off-spin has been put to use a lot of times by MS Dhoni, and it will probably be in action again in the first ODI. Duminy on the other hand has scored 301 runs in 14 matches, but has fared better with the ball, taking 9 wickets. While both batsmen will look to score quick runs at No.5, they will be given the chance to bowl in the spin-friendly subcontinent pitches.

#6 Ambati Rayudu and David Miller

Rayudu and Miller will play the role of finishers

Player	Matches	Runs	Average	100/50s	Best
Ambati Rayudu	31	952	45.33	2/5	124*
David Miller	37	866	30.92	0/5	67

Ambati Rayudu has never played at No.6 in ODIs, so his career numbers have been used here. With MS Dhoni being promoted up the order, Rayudu will make his debut at No.6. He has been fairly consistent for India over the past two years, giving good support to the other players in the middle. Still relatively new to the ODI game, Rayudu must quickly adapt himself to his new position if he is to make a good contribution to the team. David Miller has also not been comfortable at No.6, scoring fewer than at his usually No.5 spot. Much like Duminy, he is yet to score a century in his new position, but that takes nothing away from his destructive ability. He is well experienced in India, and this will add to the danger he poses at the death.

In 2015, Rayudu has been consistent, scoring 267 runs in 7 games. He has got good starts in all his games but failed to convert them save for a solitary century. He will not be getting many chances to get his eye in at No.6, and he must quickly learn to adapt or he will perish. Miller has been at his best this year, with 655 runs in 19 games at an average of 54.58. Miller is also guilty of not making enough fifties, but he can be forgiven as he bats very low. The Indian bowlers will be wary of his destructive power in the slog overs, and Rayudu must work hard to r

#7 Axar Patel and Chris Morris

Axar and Morris will be the two all-rounders for their teams

Player	Matches	Runs	Average	Wickets	Best
Axar Patel	18	54	7.71	23	3/40
Chris Morris	7	25	8.33	8	2/25

In the all-rounder’s spot for both teams are Axar Patel and Chris Morris. Axar Patel has filled in for Ravindra Jadeja and is fast moving up the ranks as a permanent member of the team. His accurate stump-to-stump bowling has made him very good in the middle overs where batsmen look to increase the run rate. However, his batting is something of an eyesore as he has to contribute more to stay in the team. Chris Morris on the other hand is still taking baby steps in ODIs, and has not yet given a big contribution. But he does have experience in the subcontinent, playing the IPL for two teams – CSK and RR.

In 2015, Axar has made a good on his chance to tour Zimbabwe, finishing as the highest wicket taker of the series. He picked up 9 wickets in as many matches, but it was his economy of 4.59 that really shows his worth. He has still much to do with the bat if he is to stay in the team, and this series will be the perfect opportunity for him. Morris however has only played 2 ODIs this year, and has taken 2 wickets in them. This tour will be a big step for him, and his performances may well give him a permanent place in the team, and this makes him all the more dangerous.

#8 Ravichandran Ashwin and Dale Steyn

Ashwin and Steyn will be the key bowlers in the series

Player	Matches	Wickets	Average	Economy	Best
Ravi Ashwin	99	139	31.40	4.82	4/25
Steyn	107	165	25.89	4.81	6/39

At No.8 for both teams are Ravi Ashwin and Dale Steyn. Ashwin will be playing his 100th ODI at Kanpur, and he is already an old hand in the team. He has taken 139 wickets at an average of 31.40, and has consistently delivered. His home record is one of the best for India, and he will be the key bowler during the middle overs. Steyn is simply one of the best bowlers in the world, and his figures are a testament to that. Though he is not as brilliant as he is in tests, he is still good enough. His terrific economy rate is backed up by his average of 25.89, and he will be South Africa’s trump card in their bowling attack.

In 2015, Ashwin has played 12 matches and picked up 20 wickets, the second-most for India this year behind Umesh Yadav. His average has been much better this year, and he bowled extremely well in both T20s against South Africa. He has been hard to pick for most batsmen, and even De Villiers perished in both matches to him, which will be a big confidence booster. Steyn has been excellent this year, taking 20 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 27.60. On his day, he can rip through the strongest batting line-up, and India will look to play him out or even counter-attack.

#9 Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Morne Morkel

Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Morne Morkel will look to make early inroads

Player	Matches	Wickets	Average	Economy	Best
Bhuvneshwar	50	53	34.71	4.55	4/8
Morne Morkel	100	169	24.19	4.92	5/21

Taking the new ball for both teams will be Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Morne Morkel. Bhuvneshwar has been India’s biggest revelation with the ball in recent years, showing that he can swing the ball both ways. His recent value as a death bowler came into repute during the IPL and in the tour to Zimbabwe as he repeatedly delivered yorkers towards the death. His excellent economy rate shows his class as a bowler, and he has consistently delivered. In many ways, Morne Morkel has been South Africa’s ODI specialist, and his career numbers say the same. His average and economy are up there with the all-time greats, and with his huge frame, he can extract prodigious bounce and carry.

In 2015, Bhuvneshwar has not played much due to injuries and form issues, but has still taken 9 wickets in 8 matches. He has not wavered from his good economy rate, keeping it at 4.19, and he will look to swing the new ball to nip out the Protea top order. Morkel has been excellent in 2015, taking 21 wickets in 13 matches with the new ball and the old. Morkel is delivering yorkers at the death, and his services will be widely needed by South Africa to keep India from scoring heavily in the slog overs.

#10 Mohit Sharma and Kagiso Rabada

Relatively new to the format, both Mohit and Rabada will have their performances scrutinized

Player	Matches	Wickets	Average	Economy	Best
Mohit Sharma	22	26	30.96	5.16	4/22
Kagiso Rabada	5	11	16.72	4.58	6/16

In all likelihood, the first-change bowlers for both teams will be Mohit Sharma and Kagiso Rabada. Mohit has risen silently in the team, and his clever changes of pace will be needed during the death overs. Mohit has picked up 26 wickets in 22 games, but his economy rate is a bit of a worry. He has proven that he can bowl under pressure, and he needs to deliver more consistently. Rabada on the other hand burst into the headlines when he picked up 6/16 on debut, the best figures by any debutant. Rabada’s best factor is that he does not give up on speed to get accuracy, and his impeccable line and length will be needed for South Africa in the opening stages of the game.

In 2015, Mohit has picked up 18 wickets in 11 games, which has made him a terrific asset to the team. Though he lacks in pace, he makes up for in cunning and guile, and his slower balls and bouncers will be in dire need when AB De Villiers and co. get going. Rabada has only played 4 matches in his career – all this year – and has impressed immensely. The tour to India comes at an important stage in his life, and he will look to make the most of it. Rabada must not be taken lightly at any cost.

#11 Umesh Yadav and Imran Tahir

Yadav and Tahir will look to be the answers their captains seek as the first ODI will begin in mere hours time

Player	Matches	Wickets	Average	Economy	Best
Yadav	50	69	31.85	5.79	4/31
Tahir	44	77	21.67	4.36	5/45

Last but certainly not the least, Umesh Yadav and Imran Tahir completely the ODI XI. Yadav has consistently been India’s fastest bowler in recent times and he will remain India’s go-to pacer in the series. Captain MS Dhoni has always clamoured for a genuine pace bowler, and Yadav is the answer to his calls. If Yadav can prove his worth and get early wickets, India can believe they will go all the way towards winning this series. On the other hand, Tahir will be South Africa’s leading spinner in the subcontinent, a role that will define the series for them. Tahir’s good record in ODIs will help his cause as he will look to prise out India’s fragile middle order in a trial by spin. His variations in flight and the sudden googly will be up his sleeve, and he will use it whenever he can to get one up on the Indian batsmen.

As for recent form, Yadav has picked up 22 wickets in 12 matches, the highest for India in ODIs this year. He has bowled at a terrific average of 23.13 which shows how good he is. His economy of 5.51 is high, but it will not look too bad if he can take two or three wickets in a game. His pin-point bowling and late swing will be difficult for South Africa to handle, and Dhoni will believe his premium pacer can deliver. Tahir has been spectacular this year, taking 30 wickets in 7 games, the fourth highest in international cricket. His economy of 4.41 is also one of the best in the game, as his skills will be in full flow in the first ODI in the series. All in all, Yadav and Tahir will be the crucial towards both teams in the series, and they are both expected to fire all guns blazing.