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

Lower Order:

Dinesh Karthik:

He made an ODI comeback in 2017, now can he seal the reserve 'keeper's spot?

Parthiv Patel was so sub-par with his glovework that Dinesh Karthik needed to be called from home to join the squad as he is clearly a safer bet behind the stumps. Though technically sound with above-average defensive skills, Karthik's batting heavily hinges on his counterattacking instincts, which makes him suitable as a lower order batsman.

The second wicketkeeper was never an issue when Dhoni was around, but currently, Saha is on another level compared to the second choice. In fact, Karthik only needs to be alert behind the stumps and score 40-50 runs to rest Parthiv's claim to the reserve keeper spot.

Hardik Pandya:

Pandya has talents, but he needs to work on them

Hardik Pandya's strategy is also similar, but because of his inadequate defensive skills. Pitches like the one in the first Test aid his style and thus he thrives on them, producing some exhilarating strokeplay.

The problem is that his batting is too one-dimensional. He will be a fish out of water in pitches where patience is the key. He may be able to land a few lucky blows but the bowler will be able to prise him out at the end. But Pandya is in the squad as a utility player.

Pandya's roles are to strike some quick runs towards the end of the innings and to be the optional fourth seamer - the latter to which he has not done enough justice. His temperament is also an issue, as at this point he seems to be satisfied with the one-dimensionality of batting and limited bowling variations like the overused off-cutter and short pitches.

As Kapil Dev duly pointed out, there is a thin line between confidence and arrogance, and Pandya should be aware of that.

Ravindra Jadeja:

Jadeja has had a special liking towards South Africans

Ravichandran Ashwin did return a four-wicket haul in the second Test, but not before he was made to toil for almost 40 overs.

In the second innings even when the other bowlers were better, Ashwin frequently erred in length in which the South African batsmen cashed in on. It would not be harmful to give Jadeja a chance, given his home and away record against South Africa.

Jadeja is slightly more attacking, and his left arm spin adds a variety to an attack that otherwise consists of four right arm pacers. His skills with the bat are also better than Ashwin's.