He was brought into the crucial No. 3 position for the second Test (replacing an injured Shubman Gill) but failed to hold the innings together, scoring 15 runs just before the major collapse.
His selection was reportedly based heavily on his recent form in white-ball cricket, causing friction among fans and pundits who felt he was picked over established first-class performers.
He was brought into the XI for the second Test (replacing Axar Patel) to provide a seam-bowling all-round option at No. 7. With the bat, he scored 10 runs. With the ball, he was barely utilized, bowling only 6 overs in South Africa's massive first innings total of 489.
If he cannot contribute meaningful wickets or bowl consistent spells, the team essentially plays with only four bowlers, putting immense pressure on the specialists. A specialist batter (like Sarfaraz Khan) or a better bowling option would be more valuable.
Axar is a phenomenal bowler in spin-friendly conditions but is largely seen as a back-up for Ravindra Jadeja. When Jadeja is fit, Axar's primary role becomes finding a spot as a second all-rounder.
When India travels abroad, the team rarely plays two left-arm orthodox spinners. At home, he struggles to justify his inclusion over an extra specialist batter (if Jadeja plays). His selection is often conditional on the surface and Jadeja's fitness.