Current India-South Africa Combined Test XI

Spinner

Ashwin will look to improve his record in South Africa

Ravichandran Ashwin

On face value, picking the world record holder for the fastest to 250 and 300 Test wickets as the sole spinner seems like common sense. But Ashwin's record outside Asia is far from impressive but his recent form and the changes that he has to his bowling has made him impossible to leave out.

Aside from his bowling, he has proven himself to be more than handy with the bat. In the absence of a genuine world-class all-rounder in either side, Ashwin can fill that role as well. So he slots in at No.7 thanks to ability to pick up wickets, provide relief for the pacers and also contribute with the bat.