5 critical factors that will help South Africa beat India

Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock

Aiden Markram will be crucial opening the batting for South Africa

Whilst the headlines and tabloids will undoubtedly feature the likes of Amla, du Plessis and the return of AB de Villiers, the contributions of the opening pair of Dean Elgar and Aiden Markram as well as de Kock may well swing this series South Africa’s way.

Elgar had a career year in 2017, averaging 53.71 in comparison to 2016 where he averaged 31, while inexperienced Markram is an incredible talent and could provide South Africa with the unknown X factor.

Quinton de Kock has been shuffled around the batting lineup of late, but his record against India in the shorter format (66 in 11 matches) is an indication he takes a liking against the Indian bowling attack. If these three players add to what we already expect from Amla, du Plessis and AB, India will have a hard time in this series.