SA vs IND: Top five performers from the Test series

The three-match Test series between South Africa and India was as close as it could get. Although the visitors won the first Test in Centurion, the hosts made a spectacular comeback in the last two Tests and ensured that they win the series by a margin of 2-1. However, some players in this series stood out from the rest and were exceptionally fantastic. So, who are the best performers of this series? Here is a look at the top five performers of South Africa vs India Test series.

5) Marco Jansen:

It wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that Marco Jansen was the find of this series. With 19 wickets, the pacer went on to pick the second-most number of wickets in the series. With the kind of performance he displayed in the three Tests, it is safe to say that the Proteas have found an absolute gem.

4) Kagiso Rabada:

South Africa’s lead pacer was once again at his absolute best. In just the six innings, the 26-year-old went on to pick 20 wickets at an average of 19.05. His spells in the third innings of both, the second, as well as the third Test, played a fundamental role in ensuring that the visitors don’t pile up too many runs.

3) KL Rahul:

In a rather disappointing series for the Kohli-led side, KL Rahul was the diamond in the rough. His century in the first innings of the first Test gave India a solid platform and thus, they went on to win that Test. The opener then scored a superb half-century in the second Test as well. It is to be noted that the conditions were adverse and yet, Rahul showed a lot of temperament during the Wanderers Test. Thus, he was one of the few positives for India in this series.

2) Dean Elgar:

Dean Elgar once again proved why he is considered one of the best Test openers of the current generation. His grit and determination in the fourth innings of the second Test is what helped the hosts to end up on the winning side. Moreover, the Proteas skipper in the longest format of the game was the second-highest run-scorer of the series as well. He scored 235 runs at an average of 47.

1) Keegan Petersen:

It is safe to say that Petersen was the difference between the two sides. His crucial knocks in the Tests in Johannesburg and Cape Town played a major role in the victories of the Dean Elgar-led side. As a matter of fact, his 72 and 82 in the third Test led to him winning the player of the match award in the series decider at Newlands. Besides, he was awarded the player of the series award as well.