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

India will go into their Test series against the Proteas as favourites.

#2. Ravichandran Ashwin

Ravichandran Ashwin could be India's star turn with the ball.

No longer in the reckoning for the shorter formats, veteran off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has been away from the limelight for a while. A Test series at home, however, makes Ashwin a must-mention when it comes to the list of potential match-winners.

With 234 wickets in 38 Tests at an average under 23 and as many as 20 five-wicket hauls, Ashwin has been the go-to man for India in home Tests. Facing Ashwin on the spinning tracks of India will be among South Africa’s greatest challenges in the Test series.

Ashwin had a sensational series against South Africa back in 2015, when he claimed 31 wickets in four Tests while averaging 11.12 with four five-wicket hauls and a best of 7/66. The performance was all the more credible, coming against a strong Proteas outfit comprising de Villiers and Amla.

Ashwin will be keen to repeat his heroics. Can South Africa’s relatively new batting guard keep him at bay?

About the author

Renin Wilben Albert is a journalist who covers cricket at Sportskeeda. His passion for the sport stems from a childhood dream of becoming a cricketer. Although that path didn't unfold, Renin embraced an alternative career in cricket, channeling his love into journalism. Backed with a bachelor's degree in Mass Media (BMM) and 18 years of journalism experience, Renin brings a strong journalism guidelines to his work. He is also the Author of the book '10 Life Lessons from 10 Great Cricketers'.

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Edited by A. Ayush Chatterjee