India vs South Africa 2019: 5 players who can produce series-defining performances in Tests

#3. Cheteshwar Pujara

Cheteshwar Pujara's resilient batting could be India's secret weapon.

India’s rock solid number three had a surprisingly poor tour of West Indies, with a highest score of 27 in four innings. However, back on home soil where he has made gallons of runs in Test and first-class cricket, Pujara would be confident of putting on a good show.

He was instrumental in India’s historic Test series win in Australia in 2018-19, and would be keen for an encore against the Proteas.

Pujara did not have a great series against South Africa the last time they were here in 2015. He managed 202 runs with a best of 77 at a middling average of 33.66. Pujara’s overall performance against South Africa also falls in the mediocre category -- 11 Tests for 613 runs at an average of 32.36, with a solitary hundred scored at Johannesburg in December, 2013. So there is room for improvement for Pujara with regards to South Africa.