Rohit Sharma or Ajinkya Rahane? Analysing who should get the nod for the second Test

A lot was said about Rohit Sharma's selection over Ajinkya Rahane for the first Test against South Africa last week.

Although it was a dismal outing by the Indian batting line-up overall, Sharma was criticized for his performance in Cape Town, where he managed to hit just one boundary in the two innings.

Even though the dashing batsman from Mumbai has an average of more than 40 in Tests, he is often criticized for his form in the longer version of the game along with his performance overseas.

Records and stats

Both Rohit and Rahane have played more than 20 Tests each and average over 40, although when you consider their average against their current rivals South Africa, Rahane towers over Sharma with an average of 59.37 (69.66 in South Africa) compared to Sharma's 9.20.

Both the batsmen have played 10 innings each against the mighty Proteas and where Rohit has no score of even 50, Rahane has impressed with two 100s & two 50s.

When you consider their form in South Africa against the home team, Rahane still stands out with an exceptional average of almost 70 compared to Sharma's 11.

Looking at their recent form in Tests, Sharma scored 2 fifties and a hundred in his last two Test before succumbing to the likes of Rabada & Philander. Rahane, on the other hand, hasn't scored a Test 50 since August of last year.

It'll certainly be a big task for the Indian team management & Kohli to decide whether to go for Rahane's superb record against the home team or Sharma's recent form.