South Africa vs India 2018: Ideal playing XI for the third Test

Middle Order:

Virat Kohli:

He has been the lone bright spot

The run-machine has improved his technique in the longest format by leaps and bounds in the last two years and is currently posing a challenge to Steve Smith's undisputed numero uno status in Test cricket. His 153 in the second Test was the best batting display in the series by a mile.

He showed the intent that the rest of his pack lacked, with an amalgamation of caution and aggression. Though Lungi Ngidi got the better of him with a peach of a delivery, the Indian captain is known to be a quick learner, and the former may be found wanting against him in the third Test.

His captaincy and team selection have received plenty of undeserved flak, which is not uncommon considering the vociferous nature of Indian fans and cricketing fraternity. It is not a secret that pressure brings out the best in him and India desperately needs that to happen in order to salvage some pride from the dead rubber.

Ajinkya Rahane:

Rahane needs some backing from the management

Dropping Rahane was the decision that received the most vocal opposition. Though his current form can be hailed as the culprit, Rahane's stats on pitches outside the subcontinent dustbowls are nothing short of magical, and dropping him was always a big risk.

He deserved a comeback to the playing XI in the second test and excluding him for the third consecutive time may be a colossal blunder that can prove to be a blemish on Kohli's captaincy career forever. Rahane is the perfect man to steady the innings in case of a possible middle-order collapse or in the event of a failure by Captain Kohli.

Rohit Sharma:

His technique was never in doubt, but his temperament?

I may receive some negative comments for this opinion, but Rohit Sharma should not sit out in the third Test. Rohit never had a stable role in the team and was never given a long rope in the test scenario.

He has now shaped up well as a lower-order batsman who can score quick runs off the old ball (akin to Adam Gilchrist in the Australian squad) at least on home pitches.

In his last outing, Sharma has finally started showing signs of getting into his groove and sorting out a solid game plan and it will be unwise to drop him at this point if the team management considers him as a viable option for the future.