South Africa vs India 2018: India's probable playing XI for second ODI

Middle-order

The Proteas were unable to extinguish the flame that conquered them

Virat Kohli

The golden snitch (century) kept eluding the Fiendfyre (Virat Kohli) in the rainbow nation but Durban was the setting as the eternal flame conquered another continent. As powerful as the aguamenti (Proteas pacers) were, they were no match for the Fiendfyre, which couldn't be put out in Durban, raising the eternal question of whether it can ever be extinguished, especially in the second innings.

Ajinkya Rahane

After four consecutive ODI fifties against Australia, Ajinkya Rahane was dropped for the ODI series against New Zealand and Sri Lanka before he made a comeback in the first ODI against South Africa, to make it five fifties in a row. If there is one person who will be hoping that the jinx isn't broken in Centurion, it will be the Indian batsman, who is aptly nicknamed the same.

Now in the side at No. 4, Rahane showcased his versatility as he essayed his role to perfection and earned the adulation of his captain as well.

Kedar Jadhav

At first glance, Jadhav might seem like someone who is as out of place in the Indian side as an Eskimo is in the Sahara desert (or Arsene Wenger's latest incarnation at Arsenal), but the diminutive all-rounder has shown himself to be capable of withstanding any circumstance, criticism and consternation, much like Arsene Wenger's latest incarnation at Arsenal.

But unlike the Arsenal boss, Jadhav has delivered on a consistent basis of late and is slowly fulfilling his promise as the all-rounder in the side.