South Africa vs India 2018: 5 positives for India despite the loss

#3 Role of Hardik Pandya

Perhaps this time, India's search for that elusive all-rounder could well have found a pitstop.

Hardik Pandya had a terrific match, both with the bat and ball, and his form renders not only the much sought after balance but also allows India to field a more aggressive bowling attack in the next few matches.

Pandya's brilliant 93 in the first innings was the reason why India could even harbour hopes of a win. He also picked up the important wickets of Faf du Plessis (1st innings) and Aiden Markram and Dean Elgar (2nd innings).

He was expressive with the bat and played his strokes and with the ball provided Kohli not only an option but also picked up wickets by asking questions to the batsmen at all times.