India begins its campaign against South Africa with Johannesburg Test on January 5. In the battle of top-two Test sides, Virat Kohli and Co. will love to draw the first blood in the two-month-long series. South Africa tour has been a nightmare for the visiting team with India registering just two wins in 17 tests played so far. But for the first time in the cricketing history of two nations, Kohli and his boys are deemed a side that has potential to beat Proteas in front of their home crowd. There are few players (both in-form and of class) in this Test No. 1 team that Faf du Plessis’ team should be beware of in the upcoming series.

1. Virat Kohli

The pillar of Indian batting line-up, Kohli is coming into the series with back-to-back double centuries against Sri Lanka. The 29-year-old has had a fantabulous home season, something the Delhi batsman would be keen to continue overseas. Kohli has been solid against South Africa, with one hundred and two fifties. He has a healthy average of 47.2 and a strike rate of 53.94. With all eyes on him, Kohli would be itching to flaunt his batting class at the rivals’ backyard.

2. Bhuvneshwar Kumar

Indian cricket has always boasted of a great batting line-up, but the new crop of bowlers is soon changing the topic of discussion. Indian spearhead Bhuvneshwar Kumar is no rookie lad but a lethal weapon in Kohli’s artillery. The 27-year-old is India’s main strike bowler who can swing ball both ways and at a killer pace – a deadly combination for the batsmen. Bhuvi’s recent five-wicket spells were against New Zealand (5/48) and West Indies (5/33) in 2016. Indian fans would hope the talented young bowler to add more such magical spells in the list.

3. Cheteshwar Pujara

Cheteshwar Pujara is one of the batting mainstays is expected to play a crucial role in the three-match Test series. Amidst the naturally aggressive styled players, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan, Pujara will be expected to be the binding force. Dubbed a ‘Test Specialist’, Pujara rightly puts a price on his wicket and leave bowlers frustrated. Pujara finished 2017 with 1140 Test runs which included a double ton (202) against Australia, three hundred (153, 133 and 143) against Sri Lanka.

4. Rohit Sharma

Rohit Sharma is considered one of the most aggressive batsmen of ODIs and T20Is of the current generation. After all, the 30-year-old is the only batsman to hit three double centuries in ODIs. However, the Mumbai man is still finding to establish himself in the Test cricket, still considered as the greatest benchmark to judge a cricketer’s true calibre. South Africa series is a good opportunity for Rohit Sharma to channelize his love affair with playing long innings from limited overs to test format.

5. Mohammed Shami

Despite cricket pundits suggesting Indian think tank to let Bhuvneshwar lead the attack, Mohammed Shami has been team’s first choice to be strike pacer. In 2017, he has taken 19 wickets in five Tests, a reflection of fine bowling performance. However, the 27-year-old trouble with frequent injuries would be a cause of concern for the management. If Mohammed Shami can maintain his fitness level, he will prove to be a handful for the Proteas.

Virat Kohli-led Team India are chasing the tag of being the greatest Test side India has ever had. Their consistency over the period of next 18 months with challenging overseas tours (against England and Australia) will decide if they deserve the tag or not. For now, the side would concentrate on giving it all out against South Africa.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 05, 2018 12:37 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).