India vs South Africa Test Series: 2 Indian players who will be keen on proving their mettle in whites

Set to flag off yet another long home season, Virat Kohli and Co will be locking horns with South Africa in a three match Test series starting on 2 October in Visakhapatnam.

Currently leading the World Test Championship rakings, the Indians will be entering the fray as firm favourites. However, the hosts will be wary of the fact that South Africa are no pushovers. Bolstered by the return of their skipper Faf du Plessis and strike weapon Vernon Philander, the visitors will be keen on defending the Freedom Trophy.

A few key players, therefore, will once again be crucial to India's chances in regaining the title. While the likes of Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane will be the prime forces with the bat, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja are expected to do the job with the ball in the absence of Jasprit Bumrah.

The focus though will also be laid on a couple of players, who will be itching to prove their mettle in the upcoming Test series. Long considered as white-ball specialists, these players will be hoping to turn the tide in their favour in Test cricket as well and cement their spots in the Indian side.

1 Rohit Sharma

One of the world's most exceptional batsmen in limited overs cricket, Rohit Sharma's record in Test cricket does no justice to his caliber with the bat. Scoring 1585 runs in 27 Tests, at an average of about 40, the dashing right-hander hasn't quite been able to weave magic in the whites.

With KL Rahul being ousted from the side due to an inconsistent run, the selectors have entrusted Sharma with the responsibility of opening the batting in the upcoming Test series against South Africa. The 32-year-old, who has been working wonders in ODIs at the top of the order, will be determined to make the most of the opportunity and seal his spot in Indian Test side.

2 Rishabh Pant

After failing to repay the team management's faith on him in the recently concluded T20 series against South Africa, Rishabh Pant's spot in the Indian side has come under the scanner once again.

Despite being criticised for being reckless in shot selection, the young left-hander has been given an extended run to prove his mettle in all formats for India. However, barring a few flashes of brilliance, the southpaw hasn't been able to justify his talent.

Patchy glove-work behind the stumps and a fit Wriddhiman Saha back in the Indian ranks seem to be adding to Pant's already existing woes. The 21-year-old, if selected among the playing XI in the first Test, will be raring to prove his mettle in home conditions and silence his critics in style.