5 factors India needs to beat South Africa in 2018

The role of the spinner

Spinners will still play a crucial role in South Africa for India

India's key spinners, Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja have had a sensational last couple of years. Both have topped the bowling charts and have held the top position at in the ICC test bowling ranks.

They have led India to numerous series wins and are largely responsible for India's success. In addition, they have also played crucial roles with the bat to help solidify India's lower order.

However, with recent issues and the role of these bowlers will be different where they should not be expected to have the same kind of results away from home. Whoever plays between Ashwin and Jadeja, their role will be more to support the seamers and help to take some crucial wickets (especially against the lower order). If either spinner is able to make an impact by taking some crucial wickets in the test series, it will go a long way in securing a test series win for India.