5 Players whose Test career depends on the series between India and South Africa

4) Ravichandran Ashwin

It might surprise everybody to see the name of Ravichandran Ashwin in this list but it is a sad truth that has to be accepted with an open mind. The off-spinner is one of the best bowlers to represent the country in the classic format. On his way to 343 Test wickets, he has broken many records and also became the ICC cricketer of the year in 2016.

Thereafter with the 4 Test hundreds he has shown his batting capabilities on several occasions. Truly Ashwin has inscribed his name in the history books and in his prime nobody could match his aura. There is no doubt that the office will be leading the bowling department on home conditions but of late he has not been a regular in the team’s plans. Even in their trip to the Caribbean land Ravindra Jadeja got the nod ahead of him.

Another quite shocking thing is his repeated batting failures. He has looked vulnerable with the bat in his hand and has not lived up to the tag of an all-rounder. The frequent niggles have been a curse and his omission from the limited-overs format has further affected his confidence. Surely his spells against Proteas will lay down the marker for the rest of his cricketing journey.