5 factors India needs to beat South Africa in 2018

Pujara and Rahane to play key roles

Ajinkya Rahane will be important to steer India's lower order

Rahane averages an impressive 53 away from India. Pujara averaged an incredible 67 in 2017. However despite their impressive records both players will have something to prove. In contrast, those averages, Pujara averages 38.52 away from India (29 not including tests against West Indies or Sri Lanka).

Rahane, despite having some important contributions in 2017 averaged 34. Virat Kohli will always be considered the head of the snake in India’s batting lineup, but if India are to beat South Africa they will need key runs from both Rahane and Pujara in the middle order to give them the best chance to win.