5 Indian players to watch out for against South Africa

5 Indian players to watch out for against South Africa: After securing historic Test series win over the Sri Lankan’s in their den, the Indian team is now all set to take on South Africa at home. The Gandhi-Mandela series will commence from 2nd October. It will be India’s first limited overs series in the sub-continent after they lost to Bangladesh, few months ago. The Indian’s will play all-out to maintain their belligerent track record against the African’s at home. India has never lost an ODI series against South Africa as hosts. In T20Is, the hosts would look to better their record against the visitors who have dominated against them in the shortest format of the game. Let’s have a look at 5 Indian players to watch out for against South Africa: 1. Virat Kohli: (© Getty Images) The Indian Test skipper Virat Kohli has suffered from slump in form in ODIs, this year. While his record against the South Africa isn’t the best either. Despite all that the kind of player that he is, Kohli can prove to be the biggest riddle for the South Africa’s. Even he knows that it has not been his merry year and the kind of determination this chap possess, South Africa’s are in for an inspired fight against him. The Delhi lad must be eyeing this series with intentions of redemption in form in the colourful jersey. Although, Virat averages a walloping 51 against the African’s in T20Is. 2. MS Dhoni: MS Dhoni. (Photo Source: Associated Press) Over the years, MS Dhoni has emerged as the glittering star of Indian cricket and especially his monumental achievements in limited overs cricket is second to none. But cometh this South Africa series, a lot of attention will be on Dhoni since he hasn’t been in the best of forms of late. After the loss against Bangladesh in ODIs, this will be a series which he would like to win at any cost. And we have seen over the years whenever the pressure has got to him, he has only come out with flying colours. It will be a series of make or break for him and he would give his all to get back his blistering form. 3. Ajinkya Rahane: Ajinkya Rahane. (Photo Source: AFP) Ajinkya Rahane was India’s limited overs skipper for the tour of Zimbabwe. But now with Dhoni back in the side he will return to his sole role as a middle-order batsman in the team. Rahane has emerged as India’s most dependable batsman in the recent years. The Mumbaikar is a very cool and calm customer and knows his role really well. From opening the batting to playing as middle-order batsman, to playing as a finisher, he can execute any role which makes him a versatile player. In the limited overs series, he would like to put some gritty performances and become a regular fixture in the limited overs side. 4. Ravichandran Ashwin: (© Getty Images) Now with each passing series the Indian off-spinner R Ashwin is taking his game to a different level altogether. Even in the Lankan series, he was the bowling stalwart of the side. As he is an off-spinner so he will turn out to be even more menacing as in the African batting line-up there are quite a few southpaws like JP Duminy, Quinton de Kock, Rilee Rossouw and David Miller who are crucial players for the visitors. This year Ashwin has taken 20 wickets in 12 ODIs at an economy of 4.33. So his bowling form as well the friendly home-conditions will help him even more as far wrecking the African’s are concerned. 5. Mohit Sharma: Mohit Sharma. (Photo Source: Associated Press) Mohit Sharma is one of those bowlers who bowls a ‘heavy ball’. His deliveries come quicker on to the bat than it looks. Mohit’s mantra is very simple; to just keeps bowling immaculate line and lengths and makes the most of whatever he is provided with. Sharma is a captain’s delight. In 11 ODIs this year, he has taken 18 wickets at an impressive economy of 5.15 and would look to carry on his good form with the white cherry in this series as well. He has been selected for both T20Is and ODI matches. On flat pitches his tendency of bending his back and hitting the deck hard can reap fruits for his side in the series. Also Read: 5 ways in which MS Dhoni can prolong his ODI captaincy: